Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Oil King and the KTT Strawberry are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The Oil King is well-loved for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, which is often compared to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Strawberry stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, while also providing a smooth actuation and reliable performance. Both switches fall under the categories of low-pitched, silky, buttery, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Strawberry differ in terms of their effects on sound profiles. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. It offers a thin and clacky sound profile that is characterized as satisfying. On the other hand, the Strawberry also uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Like its top housing counterpart, this material contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in pleasing auditory feedback when the keys are pressed.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Strawberry, they both play a significant role in the overall sound experience of the switches. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's qualities come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound produced. While the specific characteristics may vary due to the different materials used, both switches offer a unique and satisfying sound profile that enhances the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Oil King is lighter, requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Strawberry requires only 43 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Oil King requiring 65 grams and the Strawberry requiring 62 grams.
Considering weight is significant for a few reasons, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Strawberry switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel. For them, the Oil King switch may be more suitable, as it has a slightly heavier actuation force. This heavier actuation force provides a more solid and tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel more deliberate and satisfying.
When it comes to bottom out force, both switches have relatively similar characteristics. Bottoming out refers to fully pressing a key down, and the Oil King and Strawberry switches have a comparable bottom out force of 65 and 62 grams, respectively. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a similar feel when fully pressing a key.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a lighter actuation force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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, both the Gateron Oil King and the KTT Strawberry switches have a similar low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches tend to offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Oil King switches further showcase a bassy sound profile, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Strawberry switches, on the other hand, do not have a specific descriptor for their sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable sound experience, albeit with a slight variation in the richness of the sound.
In terms of feel, both the Oil King and the Strawberry switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Oil King switches are described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This smoothness can be attributed to lubrication applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches are described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished as well, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance during key presses. The use of frictionless materials and lubrication contribute to their smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches ensure reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a pleasurable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Oil King and KTT Strawberry linear switches deliver excellent subjective qualities. In terms of sound, they both offer a low-pitched profile, with the Oil King showcasing a bassy sound compared to the Strawberry's unspecified sound profile. When it comes to feel, both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with slight variations in their descriptors. The Oil King is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, while the Strawberry is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. In terms of overall performance, these switches are known for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Oil King or KTT Strawberry, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel—a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the choice between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Oil King's 65-gram weight may be more suitable for you. Additionally, the Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Strawberry boasts a slightly lighter 62-gram bottom out force and offers a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It also produces a low-pitched sound similar to the Oil King. Both switches excel in terms of feel, with the Oil King offering a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, and the Strawberry providing a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
