Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Gateron Oil King and the HMX Swift, both of which are linear switches. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile akin to a dark chocolate bar snapping, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a low-pitched and bassy typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift sets itself apart with a deeper sound profile thanks to its nylon housings, offering a delicate and feathery typing sensation with a light 42g actuation force. While the Oil King excels in its creamy and polished feel, the Swift shines with its clacky and bouncy feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and HMX Swift both use nylon for their top housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound. This makes both switches ideal for those looking for a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile. Despite using the same material for the top housing, the switches may still differ in overall sound due to other factors like the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gateron Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. This creates a distinct typing experience that may be preferred by those who enjoy a sharper sound. On the other hand, the HMX Swift uses nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile. While the bottom housing material may not be as immediately noticeable during typing as the top housing, it still plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King and HMX Swift both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences thanks to their housing materials. While the Oil King may provide a sharper and clacky sound due to its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, the Swift offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. However, both switches benefit from the use of nylon for the top housing, creating a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and absorption. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Oil King has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Swift offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Swift ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. Both switches provide a different typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer either a heavier or lighter actuation force. Overall, those seeking a lighter typing experience should opt for the HMX Swift linear switch, while those desiring a more substantial push feel may prefer the Gateron Oil King.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches have very similar travel distances, with the Oil King being slightly longer than the Swift. In terms of preference, gamers may lean towards the Swift for its slightly shorter travel distance, leading to faster response times during gameplay. However, some users may find the longer travel distance of the Oil King to provide a more satisfying and substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 sound profile, offering a rich and mellow tone resembling that of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is recognized for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Oil King offering a deeper and more bass-heavy tone, while the Swift delivers a brighter and more vibrant sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. The lubricant applied in the switch at the factory enhances the overall smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Oil King provides a richer and smoother sound profile with a buttery typing feel, the Swift stands out with its brighter sound signature and easy-to-press sensation. Both switches excel in certain aspects, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches offer a similar level of quality and performance, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, you should consider your preference for 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, or buttery typing feel, the Gateron Oil King switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, or creamy typing feel, then the HMX Swift switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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