Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Gateron Oil King and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are both popular options worth exploring. The Oil King is praised for its smoothness and rich sound profile, offering a buttery feel with low-pitched and bassy tones. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, providing a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and precise keystrokes, accompanied by a pleasingly bassy sound. Both switches share qualities such as creaminess and a polished feel, but cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Oil King utilizes a combination of nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant sound. While the Oil King offers a softer and more absorbent material in its nylon top housing, the V3 Silver Pro provides a stiffer and clearer material in its polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic material. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic material. Both switches offer a unique sound experience, with the Oil King providing a more round and dull sound compared to the Silver Pro's more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King contributes to the overall clacky sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King and the Akko V3 Silver Pro showcase the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches use nylon in their bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials significantly influences the sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound like the Oil King or a sharper and crisper sound like the Silver Pro, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is enhanced by their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it's clear that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option between the two. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has lighter actuation and bottom out forces with 40 grams and 45 grams, respectively. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the V3 Silver Pro offering a lighter typing experience compared to the Oil King. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Oil King, while users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance in comparison to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the longer travel distance of the Oil King. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the Oil King providing a slightly longer press and the V3 Silver Pro offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a rich and mellow tone reminiscent of snapping dark chocolate. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound during key presses. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound, with the Oil King providing a deeper and more bass-heavy tone, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is highlighted for being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a light actuation force and reduced friction for a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Both switches boast a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Oil King being more focused on smoothness and buttery feel, while the V3 Silver Pro emphasizes ease of pressing and light actuation force.
Overall, both the Gateron Oil King and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer high-quality attributes that cater to different preferences. The Oil King excels in providing a rich, mellow sound and a smooth, buttery typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize tactile feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, featuring a light actuation force and easy-to-press keys for quick and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one values a deeper bassy sound and silky feel or a sharper sound and feather-light touch. Whether you choose the Oil King or the V3 Silver Pro, you can expect a high level of quality and performance in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences regarding bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy, silky typing experience, the Oil King may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, high-pitched sound profile, and an easy-to-press, creamy typing feel designed specifically for gaming, the Akko V3 Silver Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal typing habits and preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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