Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Oil King and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for keyboard enthusiasts. The Oil King is widely praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. It is known for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished characteristics. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers are reminiscent of the dynamic Steph Curry and Klay Thompson duo, as these linear "speed" switches offer a fantastic typing feel thanks to their shorter activation and long pole stem. They also have a creamy sound signature. Categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, the Splash Brothers provide a different typing experience compared to the Oil King. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make an informed decision and choose the one that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Jwick Splash Brothers have contrasting housing materials in their top housings. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Splash Brothers feature a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, the top housings of these switches provide distinct sound characteristics, with the Oil King offering a deeper and fuller sound and the Splash Brothers generating a clearer and resonant sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Oil King boasts a proprietary INK blend, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This blend creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers feature a nylon bottom housing, similar to the Oil King's nylon top housing. This material also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches have similarities in their bottom housings, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience.
When considering both the top and bottom housings of these switches, their differences in materials bring unique qualities to the overall sound profile. The Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound while its INK blend bottom housing adds a pointed and relatively high-pitched element. In contrast, the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, complemented by the nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a combination of clackiness and a rounder sound, making them suitable options for those seeking variation in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it becomes evident that they have distinct differences. The Oil King requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unavailable. However, it is important to note that the Oil King falls under the medium-heavy category, suggesting a slightly stronger push feel. The bottom out force for the Oil King is 65 grams, which further contributes to its substantial typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Splash Brothers is lighter, measuring at 48 grams.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard preference, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience for extended usage may find the Splash Brothers more suitable. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of this switch allow for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Oil King presents itself as the better option. With its medium-heavy actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force, it provides a satisfying resistance that some users may find more enjoyable.
Although the actuation force for the Splash Brothers is not available for comparison, it can be presumed that its lighter bottom out force would also result in a lighter actuation force. Therefore, while the exact values may differ, individuals seeking a similar lighter typing experience to the Splash Brothers may find the Oil King's actuation force of 55 grams to be suitable. In contrast, those favoring a heavier typing experience would undoubtedly prefer the Gateron Oil King with its medium-heavy actuation force and heavier bottom out force.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch comes down to personal preference. Those prioritizing a lighter typing experience for extended usage would gravitate towards the Splash Brothers, while individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful keystroke would find the Oil King to be their preferred choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4 mm being the more standard option. However, the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm on the Splash Brothers switch may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the 4 mm travel distance on the Oil King switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness or depth in key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a deeper and mellow tone with a rich bass-like quality. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound with no specific emphasis on any particular frequency range. It is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, the Oil King will provide a darker and richer sound profile compared to the Splash Brothers.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Oil King is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The keys glide effortlessly with reduced friction, resulting in a seamless and uniform sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, the switch's polished finish adds to the overall sleekness of the typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. These descriptors suggest that the switch provides a more gentle typing experience with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It has a light resistance and offers a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Similar to the Oil King, the Splash Brothers also offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches provide smooth typing experiences, the Oil King leans more towards a silky and polished feel, whereas the Splash Brothers offer a more mild and snappy experience.
To summarize, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both have their unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, while the Splash Brothers have a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Oil King offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished experience, while the Splash Brothers provide a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished sensation. Overall, both switches offer smooth typing experiences, but with slightly different characteristics. If you prefer a darker and richer sound with a silky and polished feel, the Oil King would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound with a mild and snappy feel, the Splash Brothers would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a rich and deep sound profile, the Gateron Oil King would be the perfect choice for you. Its 65-gram bottom out force provides a satisfying keystroke feel, while its low-pitched and bassy sound characteristics add a touch of elegance to your typing experience. With its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, the Oil King ensures smooth and effortless key presses, making it a delight to use for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more neutral sound profile, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be the ideal option. Its 48-gram bottom out force offers a gentle typing experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Splash Brothers' mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished attributes provide a well-rounded and approachable typing feel, making it versatile for various environments. Ultimately, both switches have their unique features and advantages, allowing you to choose based on your specific preferences and requirements.
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