Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Twilight linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth feel and rich sound profile, reminiscent of the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar—qualities that make it an enticing option for those who value a plush typing experience. Characterized by its low-pitched, creamy, and buttery sound, the Oil King offers a tactile pleasure that many gamers and typists find irresistible. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch presents a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a softer sound profile while still preserving the signature clackiness that HMX switches are known for. This makes it a choice worth considering for users who appreciate the balance of a quieter operation yet still seek the playful acoustic feedback in their keystrokes. Both switches offer unique aesthetic and functional traits to enhance your typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Twilight share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing nylon—a classic choice among mechanical switch manufacturers. The nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, largely due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. This characteristic can lead to a typing experience that feels richer and more resonant, making both the Oil King (V2) and Twilight sound relatively similar in terms of their key release acoustics. The result is a typing experience that emphasizes a rounder sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate in mechanical switches.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the Gateron Oil King (V2) is constructed using a proprietary INK blend, a material noted for its unique sound profile. This blend produces a higher-pitched and pointed sound, often described as "clacky," which stands in stark contrast to the HMX Twilight's nylon bottom housing. While both switches use nylon for their top housing, the tonal qualities of the bottom housing create differentiations in their overall auditory experiences. The Oil King (V2) aims for an engaging yet refined sound, whereas the Twilight’s nylon bottom housing leans toward a consistency with the theme established by its top housing, further deepening its overall sonority.
When evaluating these two switches, it’s essential to understand how the differing bottom and top housing materials influence the overall typing feel. The Oil King (V2) combines its nylon top housing's sound-absorptive qualities with a punchy INK blend bottom housing to deliver a more dynamic experience, especially during bottom-out moments where the sounds diverge. On the other hand, the Twilight’s consistent nylon materials for both the top and bottom housing yield a more uniform sound profile throughout the key stroke cycle, ultimately resulting in a subdued and cohesive auditory experience. Users considering either switch can anticipate a pleasant typing sensation, but with varied acoustic responses depending on their individual housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Twilight linear switches, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Oil King (V2) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users seeking less resistance during long typing or gaming sessions. The Oil King (V2) requires more force both to actuate and to bottom out, providing a more substantial feedback that some users prefer for a tactile experience. Thus, for those who desire a lighter feel, the Twilight is the obvious choice, while the Oil King (V2) appeals to those who appreciate a heavier, more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Twilight linear switches, it is clear that the Oil King (V2) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight has a shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This slight difference means that the Oil King (V2) provides a more substantial depth during keystrokes, which some users prefer for its tactile feedback and a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight's shorter travel distance caters to those looking for quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers or those who favor rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you enjoy a deeper keystroke, the Oil King (V2) would be the better option, while the Twilight might appeal to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy tone that evokes the sound of dark chocolate snapping, creating a rich and mellow auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter sound, though further details about the specific sound profile of the Twilight are not provided. This means that while the Oil King's sound is more pronounced and resonant, the Twilight may appeal to those who prefer a softer auditory feedback, although exact characteristics remain unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Oil King (V2) stands out with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless key presses. The factory lubing and specific materials contribute to its polished finish, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch does not have specific descriptors for its feel, leaving its tactile qualities undisclosed. Therefore, if smoothness is what you're after, the Oil King clearly excels in this aspect, while the Twilight's feel remains an unknown variable.
Overall, both the Gateron Oil King (V2) and HMX Twilight linear switches serve unique purposes for different preferences. The Oil King offers a rich sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Twilight provides a quieter operation with an extended travel distance, appealing to those who might seek a less distracting typing environment. Ultimately, if you prioritize a refined auditory and tactile experience, the Oil King is the clear choice, while the Twilight may cater to those with different sound and feel preferences, yet its exact characteristics remain to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Oil King (V2) or the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's essential to reflect on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that provides a buttery, creamy feel and a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Oil King (V2) may be the perfect fit for you. Its 65-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for those who prefer more resistance while typing, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers an extended travel distance and a slightly quieter experience, the HMX Twilight might be more in line with your needs. At a 50-gram bottom-out force, it’s ideal for users who favor rapid keystrokes and a less fatiguing typing experience. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a rich tactile feedback and sound compared to a lightweight and quieter response.
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