Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Oil King and Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it becomes clear that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile, making it a favorite among those who enjoy low-pitched, creamy, and bassy typing experiences. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch due to its all-POM construction. While the Oil King provides a polished feel with a buttery touch, the Smoothie delivers a subdued, silky typing experience that is both smooth and low-pitched. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and Gateron Smoothie both use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Oil King featuring a nylon top and INK blend bottom, while the Smoothie uses a POM top and bottom. The nylon top housing of the Oil King creates a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Smoothie produces a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon.
While the bottom housings of both switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile upon bottoming out, the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is satisfyingly clacky. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the overall sound characteristics of the switch. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience by offering distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and Gateron Smoothie will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King's combination of nylon and INK blend housing materials creates a clacky and fuller sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housings deliver a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their own set of characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound and feel when typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King has a heavier feel compared to the Smoothie. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. In contrast, the Oil King may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on individual typing habits and preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Oil King provides a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Both switches are suitable for various preferences, as the Oil King offers a more traditional travel distance while the Smoothie caters to those seeking a more responsive typing experience. In essence, selecting between the two switches ultimately depends on whether one values depth or swiftness in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its low-pitched and bassy profile, offering a mellow and rich tone during key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as having a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when keys are pressed and released. The Smoothie also has a low-pitched and subdued sound, providing a more dampened and subtle sound experience compared to the Oil King. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but they both aim to provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Oil King and Smoothie linear switches are praised for their creamy, silky, and buttery typing experiences. These descriptors highlight the smooth and effortless keystrokes that users can expect when using these switches. The creamy sensation of gliding across the keys with ease and the silky smoothness of typing enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment of typing on these switches. Additionally, the polished finish of the Oil King and the buttery feel of the Smoothie contribute to a refined and sleek typing experience. Overall, the feel of both switches emphasizes comfort and smoothness during typing sessions, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Oil King and Smoothie linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Oil King provides a low-pitched and bassy sound along with a creamy and polished feel, the Smoothie offers a thocky and subdued sound paired with a buttery and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel, but rest assured that both switches will deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with their smooth and high-quality performance. Whether you opt for the Oil King or the Smoothie, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and overall typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery typing feel, the Oil King switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force specified, a thocky, low-pitched, subdued sound profile, and a buttery, creamy, silky typing feel, then the Smoothie switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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