Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) represent two appealing options for enthusiasts seeking smooth linear performance. The Oil King (V2) captivates users with its buttery smoothness and a distinctive sound profile that echoes the satisfying snap of dark chocolate, making it a favorite among those who prioritize auditory and tactile pleasure while typing. Its categorized sensations—low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished—indicate a refined user experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) showcases its Ly stems, which are designed to deliver an exceptionally smooth typing feel, coupled with a resonant sound that elevates the tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches offer their unique characteristics, the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensation. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) showcase distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which greatly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Oil King (V2) features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively. This creates a rounder sound profile ideal for users who prefer a muted acoustic experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that promotes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The firmer characteristics of polycarbonate provide a more resonant sound, making it a popular choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced, bright auditory feedback when typing, especially when RGB lighting is applied.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrast between these two switches. The Oil King (V2) boasts a proprietary INK blend bottom housing renowned for its clacky sound profile characterized by a pointed but not overly sharp quality. This high-pitched sound combines well with the muted traits of the nylon top housing, creating an interesting auditory balance. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, which echoes the fuller sound characteristic of nylon. This means that while the bottom housing continues to produce a deeper and rounder sound, the integration with the polycarbonate top housing creates a blend that enhances the overall sensory experience. Here, the bottom housing's influence also plays a significant role in the bottom-out feel and sound.
Ultimately, while the materials differ significantly between these two switches, they exhibit complementary effects within their respective designs. The combination of a nylon top with an INK blend bottom in the Oil King (V2) yields a layered sound experience, combining fullness from the top and clackiness from the bottom. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) marries the brightness of polycarbonate at the top with the deeper base of nylon in the bottom, resulting in a rich and vibrant sound profile. Therefore, even with different materials, both switches can create enjoyable typing experiences by leveraging the strengths of their chosen housing materials, providing users with varied auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that users will experience a similarly light touch required to trigger keystrokes. However, while the Oil King (V2) has a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) is slightly lower at 64 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, the Oil King (V2) requires just a bit more force to reach the bottom. As a result, users who prefer a lighter feel would find the similarities in actuation force advantageous for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation may prefer the heavier feel of the Oil King (V2) when bottoming out. Overall, the Oil King (V2) is marginally heavier, while the Tomcat (Heavy) retains a similar feel but offers a slight edge in bottoming out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Oil King (V2) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Oil King (V2), with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feeling and is likely preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) is ideal for users who favor a snappier response, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding tactile feedback and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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 (V2) linear switch delivers a low-pitched, bassy characteristic that creates a warm, rich auditory experience reminiscent of dark chocolate snapping. This type of sound profile offers a satisfying acoustic depth that many users appreciate, providing a mellow backdrop to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is noted for its resonant sound, though specific descriptors are lacking in detail. The overall sound quality you experience will vary depending on your keyboard build and chosen keycaps; however, the Oil King’s low-frequency tones provide a unique allure that may be favored by those seeking a deeper auditory pleasure.
In terms of feel, the Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. The switch is designed to glide effortlessly under the fingers, offering a luxurious typing sensation that can be attributed to the factory lubrication and high-quality materials used. Users can expect a polished experience with smooth key travel and minimal resistance, creating a seamless connection between typist and keyboard. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch are absent, making a direct comparison difficult. However, users of the Oil King can expect an exceptionally smooth experience that stands out in the realm of linear switches.
Overall, both the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches have unique qualities that appeal to enthusiasts, albeit with the Oil King offering more defined characteristics in both sound and feel. The Oil King is particularly noted for its deep, luscious sound and buttery smoothness, creating an engaging typing experience. While the Tomcat's attributes remain somewhat elusive, it's clear that both switches aim to provide a pleasurable experience, albeit through different auditory and tactile experiences. If you're looking for a richly resonant and luxurious feel, the Oil King (V2) may be the clear choice for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in both feel and sound. If you favor a buttery-smooth typing experience with a rich, low-pitched sound reminiscent of dark chocolate, the Oil King (V2) is likely the better option for you. Its creamy and silky profile makes every keystroke feel effortless, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prioritize a resonant sound profile and appreciate the lightness of a Tomcat switch, despite its similar bottom-out force, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may suit your needs better. While it lacks the same level of description in smoothness, it offers its own unique tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice should boil down to whether you prioritize that extra level of refinement and creamy smoothness of the Oil King or the distinctive resonant quality of the Tomcat, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your specific style and preferences.
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