Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Oil King and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. With its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and bassy characteristics, this switch offers a truly luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is the go-to choice for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. While these general descriptions provide an initial insight into the strengths of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Gateron Oil King and the TTC Speed Silver differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, generating a sharper and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Speed Silver's clear housing, made possible by polycarbonate, is especially advantageous if you plan to incorporate RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Oil King employs a proprietary INK blend. This unique blend by Gateron contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It offers a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound. Conversely, the Speed Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which shares similarities with the Oil King's nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, both switches provide a rounded and muffled sound due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon.
When it comes to the overall impact on the sound and feel of the switch, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Therefore, the qualities of the Oil King's INK blend or the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing will be more noticeable during actuation. Meanwhile, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. So, whether it's the Oil King with its nylon top housing or the Speed Silver with its polycarbonate top housing, the material choice will influence the sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences. The Gateron Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Speed Silver's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Oil King requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Oil King also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Speed Silver's lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. The difference in forces gives the Oil King a medium-heavy feel while the Speed Silver has a medium-light feel.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions may lean towards the Speed Silver switch. With its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, it offers a smoother and more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer the feeling of a stronger push may gravitate towards the Gateron Oil King switch. Its heavier forces provide a tactile feedback and a sense of solidity during typing. In terms of obtaining similar results, individuals who desire a lighter or heavier feel can adjust their typing technique and adapt to the force required by the switch they choose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Oil King's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance is more shallow, which is preferred by gamers seeking shorter travel distances for quicker response times. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prioritize faster response times and a more responsive feel, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance would be the preferred option. However, if you value a deeper key press and a sense of solidity, the Oil King's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Both switches offer their unique advantages, and users can expect different tactile experiences based on their chosen travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile. When typing on the Oil King, you can expect a creamy and silky typing experience, as if your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth keystrokes. The TTC Speed Silver linear switch, on the other hand, is renowned for its fast and precise typing experience. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel. The Speed Silver switch also has a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, while the Oil King and Speed Silver switches have different sound profiles, they both offer smooth and refined typing experiences due to their polished finishes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be your best choice. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a creamy, silky, and polished feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The sound profile of the Oil King is low-pitched and bassy, providing a mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches have a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Speed Silver switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and TTC Speed Silver switches depends on your preference for weight, feel, and sound.
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