Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4T, two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Oil King, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile akin to a snapping dark chocolate bar. It boasts qualities such as a low-pitched tone, creamy texture, silky feel, bassy resonance, buttery smoothness, and a polished overall performance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, combines the best of two worlds - a thocky bass sound with a sharp tactility. With every keystroke, the U4T provides not only an auditory delight with its bassy thock sound but also a tangible satisfaction with its assertive tactile feedback. Being categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp, the U4T offers a unique typing experience for those seeking a tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Oil King features a nylon top housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on Oil King switches elicits a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." This unique plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Therefore, the U4T offers a distinct sound experience characterized by its deep and resonant tones.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Gateron Oil King incorporates a proprietary INK blend. This bottom housing material contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, giving the typing experience a satisfying clacky sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T employs its own proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing. This "boba plastic" blend imparts a rich and deep sound profile to the switch, adding to its overall sonic character. While the U4T's bottom housing offers a deep and resonant sound, the Oil King's bottom housing emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched clack.
Comparing the two switches, it becomes evident that the top and bottom housings play crucial roles in determining the sound profile. The Gateron Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while its INK blend bottom housing adds a clacky sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings combine to deliver a rich and deep sound experience. While both switches provide unique sound profiles, it should be noted that the softness of their respective housing materials contributes to their overall depth and fullness. Regardless of their differences, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences enhanced by their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Oil King is 55 grams, whereas the U4T's actuation force is currently unavailable. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, making them suitable for a wide range of typists and gamers.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams of force to fully depress the key, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the U4T has a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. Thus, both switches offer a similar typing experience when it comes to fully pressing down keys.
When considering weight preferences, the advantage of a lighter switch like the U4T is its suitability for longer typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less exertion. This can be ideal for individuals who need to use their keyboards for extended periods, such as professionals or avid gamers. Conversely, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience and tactile feedback. This group may find the Oil King's medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams to be more suitable for their needs.
While the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch differ slightly, they both fall within the medium range. As such, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and overall feel. The decision between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired level of typing resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance one feels when pressing down on a key. In terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both switches as they offer identical distances.
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 U4T.
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 sound profile. This means that the switches have a deeper and more mellow tone, akin to the richness associated with bass tones. The sound of the Oil King can be described as a satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch also provides a bassy sound profile, but with the addition of a thocky characteristic. This means that the U4T gives a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The tactile bump intensifies the auditory experience, providing a harmonious fusion of thockiness and bassiness. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory feedback, with the Oil King showcasing a more linear sound while the U4T adds an assertive tactile satisfaction.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is best described with terms like creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience due to factors such as factory lubrication and specific materials used. When typing on the Oil King, users can expect a silky sensation, as if their fingers are gliding effortlessly across the keys. The Gazzew U4T, on the other hand, is known for its sharp tactile feedback. This means that the switches provide a high-intensity tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. While the Oil King focuses on smoothness and ease of keystrokes, the U4T focuses on a pronounced tactile response that adds a satisfying tactile feedback to every press.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct experiences. The Oil King excels in providing a buttery smoothness with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This switch creates a typing experience akin to effortlessly melting into each key stroke, accompanied by a rich and mellow auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the U4T combines a bassy thockiness with a sharp tactile feedback, providing auditory and tactile gratification with each press. However, it is essential to consider that factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. By carefully selecting compatible components, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a creamy, silky, and polished feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, they provide a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize both auditory and tactile satisfaction with a thocky and bassy sound profile, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is the way to go. These switches deliver a sharp and intense tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with every keypress. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, they provide a medium typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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