Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4, each offering a unique typing experience. The Oil King, a linear switch, is renowned for its smoothness, with a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch, provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing, accompanied by a plush and felt-like sensation upon bottoming out. Its sound profile is described as whisper quiet. Choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4 differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Oil King's nylon top housing gives it a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Although both materials enhance the sound quality, the U4's top housing may provide a slightly more resonant and vibrant sound compared to the Oil King.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. The INK blend adds a satisfying thin and higher-pitched aspect to the overall sound profile of the switch. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. This "boba plastic" material, known for its softness, contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. While both bottom housings enhance the sound quality and deliver an enjoyable typing experience, the U4's Gazzew blend may provide a smoother and more rounded sound compared to the slightly sharper sound of the Oil King's INK blend.
Although the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4 offer unique characteristics, the similarities in their materials result in some comparable outcomes. Both switches utilize proprietary plastic blends, emphasizing sound quality and contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the specific qualities of the materials may differ, both the Oil King's nylon top housing and the U4's Gazzew blend top housing enhance the typing experience by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. Similarly, both switches' bottom housings, the INK blend and the Gazzew blend, aim to deliver satisfying sound profiles with distinct features. Whether it's the slightly clacky sound attributed to the Oil King's INK blend or the rich and deep sound provided by the U4's Gazzew blend, typing on both switches is bound to result in an enjoyable auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, the differences become apparent. The Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the U4's 43 grams. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Oil King requiring 65 grams and the U4 requiring 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the better choice, as it requires a lighter actuation force. This would allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a suitable option. Its slightly heavier actuation force provides a satisfying level of resistance during keystrokes.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches offer a similar level of resistance, allowing users to achieve comparable results. However, the Gateron Oil King does have a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feel compared to the U4's 62 grams. Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch can be considered the heavier option, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of comparison, the Oil King has a longer travel distance than the U4. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered to be more traditional, while 3.6mm is slightly shallower. The difference in travel distance can affect the experience of using the switches. Gamers, for instance, might prefer the shorter travel distance of the U4 for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the more substantial feel of the Oil King with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or a deeper press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $6.50. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Oil King (V2) and U4.
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 offers a low-pitched and bassy tone during key presses. This particular switch provides a deeper and richer sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise and offer a whisper-quiet typing experience. Both switches have a low-pitched tone, but the Oil King provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the U4 focuses on creating a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Oil King is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and gliding sensation, with effortless keystrokes and reduced friction. The Gazzew U4 tactile switch, in contrast, offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Each keypress is met with a strong and crisp tactile feedback, providing a distinct and intense typing feel. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, the Oil King leans towards a smooth and seamless typing sensation, while the U4 focuses on providing high feedback intensity with its tactile bump.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Oil King boasts a sound profile that is low-pitched and bassy, reminiscent of a satisfying chocolate snap, and a feel that is creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a gliding and smooth typing sensation. On the other hand, the U4 offers a muted sound profile, minimizing noise for a whisper-quiet typing experience, and a sharp, distinct, and exhilarating tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways. So depending on your preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying resistance without being too heavy. The Oil Kings are known for their creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. Additionally, their low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the perfect choice. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a distinct tactile feedback. The U4s have a plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, enhancing the overall tactile feel. Furthermore, their muted sound profile ensures a quieter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer minimal noise.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Whether you choose the smooth and buttery Oil Kings or the sharp and tactile U4s, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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