Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Red. The Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. With categories such as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', it promises a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red is designed for those seeking a seamless typing experience without all the noise. Its muted sound profile makes it ideal for office or shared living spaces, while still maintaining a smooth and consistent feel. With categories like 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Muted', it offers a polished and comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Red switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound while typing. In contrast, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate offers a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Regarding the bottom housings, the Oil King employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The thin and higher-pitched sound produced by the INK blend is often described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to the Oil King's nylon top housing. This nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, just like the Oil King's nylon top housing.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Red demonstrate differences in sound profiles, both switches offer unique and desirable characteristics. The Oil King's nylon top housing and INK blend bottom housing create a deeper, fuller, and clacky sound while typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing deliver a sharper, crisper, and resonant sound profile. However, it's worth noting that the sound and feel of a key press will be influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Oil King or Silent Red will depend on your personal preference for sound and aesthetics in your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches have a medium-heavy rating, but the Oil King is slightly heavier overall. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation force. This is advantageous for those who type for long periods, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may find the Oil King more appealing. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Oil King provide a satisfying resistance for those seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference. If weight is a crucial consideration in keyboard selection, opting for the lighter Silent Red would be preferable. However, for those who prefer a heavier switch that offers a slightly more robust typing experience, the Oil King would be the better choice. In either case, users can expect similar results, as both switches fall within the medium-heavy category and provide a level of tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Red linear switches, it is clear that the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Oil King is considered more traditional, while the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red is on the shallower side. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you desire a more responsive typing experience, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Silent Red linear switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as muted. This means that the sound produced by these switches is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Red switches are perfect for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is important. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Oil King and TTC Silent Red switches are described as buttery and polished. This means that both switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The creamy and silky sensation of the Oil King switches, along with their reduced friction and smooth key travel, make typing on them feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Similarly, the Silent Red switches offer enhanced smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King and TTC Silent Red switches share similar subjective qualities. They both offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, along with a polished finish that enhances the overall feel. However, they do differ in terms of sound. The Oil King switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, while the Silent Red switches produce a muted and quieter sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used. Whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound or a softer and quieter typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfactory results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without causing excessive noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches deliver a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red has a consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is described as "buttery" and "polished," providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a linear switch with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is a great option. These switches offer a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. The Oil King switch is described as "creamy," "silky," "buttery," and "polished," providing a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Oil King and TTC Silent Red linear switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, go with the Silent Red. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Oil King is the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer excellent linear options for your mechanical keyboard.
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