Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Oil King is a linear switch that is highly regarded for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the U4Tx is a tactile switch that strives to combine the best of both worlds. It features a refined sound profile, offering a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Additionally, each press on the U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4Tx switches feature different housing materials that greatly affect their sound profiles. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the U4Tx employs 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, offering a similar deep tone as the nylon housing of the Oil King.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Oil King incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, commonly described as "clacky." The U4Tx, on the other hand, utilizes its own proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. This plastic blend, much like the top housing, also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the specific characteristics may vary, both bottom housings contribute to enhancing the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, providing a satisfying and unique typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer contrasting yet equally appealing sound profiles. The Oil King with its nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep tone reminiscent of "boba plastic." Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches enhance the sound and feel of the pressing action, with the Oil King providing a clacky and higher-pitched sound, and the U4Tx maintaining a satisfying and deep tone. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, these switches promise a unique auditory experience that typists and enthusiasts can enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is important to note that both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them fall into the medium-heavy category. However, the actuation force differs between the two. The Gateron Oil King linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a relatively lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force for the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Oil King. Despite this lack of information, it can be assumed that the U4Tx might offer a similar actuation force to the Oil King, given that they both share a bottom out force of 65 grams. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing periods or gaming sessions might find the Gateron Oil King linear switch more suitable, while those who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience could opt for the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Oil King has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Oil King falls into the more traditional range with its 4 mm distance, providing a deeper and more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.6 mm, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, making it a preferred option for individuals focused on speed and responsiveness. However, those who appreciate a deeper key press may find the longer travel distance of the Oil King more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 U4Tx.
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. These switches have a mellow and deep tone, resembling the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch also leans towards a bassy sound, but with a muted quality. The sound produced by the U4Tx is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The smoothness is achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a sharp tactile bump. Each keypress provides a distinct and intense feedback.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Oil King focuses on providing a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the U4Tx prioritizes a sharp tactile feedback while maintaining a bassy and muted sound profile. If you prefer a linear switch with smoothness and rich sound, the Oil King is a great choice. If you value a tactile switch with a prominent tactile bump and a quieter sound, the U4Tx will suit your preferences. With either switch, you can expect a luxurious typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer medium-heavy bottom out force and provide a creamy, silky, and polished feel when typing. The sound profile resembles the snap of a dark chocolate bar and offers a mellow tone that is deep and rich.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that combines the best of both worlds, providing a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the perfect fit for you. With a 65-gram bottom out force, these switches offer a luxurious typing experience that is acoustically pleasing. The U4Tx switches feature a bassy sound profile and a sharp, satisfying tactile bump with each press.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch comes down to personal preference. Consider your priorities in terms of sound and feel to select the switch that will enhance your typing experience and provide the desired acoustics. Both switches offer their unique qualities and are sure to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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