Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly between the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Oil King (V2), celebrated for its buttery smoothness and sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, is an excellent choice for those who appreciate linear switches; its low-pitched, creamy, and polished characteristics make for a highly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a completely different tactile experience. This switch features a sharp tactile bump coupled with the deep "thock" of mechanical keys, providing a luxurious feel with a quiet stealth during key presses, appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback without excess noise. While both switches offer unique advantages—smoothness with the Oil King (V2) and refined tactility with the U4Tx RGB—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
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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials that affect their acoustic profiles and overall feel. The Oil King (V2) features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer texture. This characteristic of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic." While this material is also designed to produce a rich sound, its emphasis on softness may lead to a sound profile that is more akin to the Oil King's, although the specific characteristics may vary due to the unique formulation of Gazzew's blend.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further divergence in sound profiles. The Oil King (V2)'s proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky, which contrasts starkly with the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing also made from a proprietary Gazzew blend. While both are soft materials, the U4Tx RGB's design emphasizes a rich and deep sound profile, aligning closer with the characteristics of its top housing. This divergence means that the sound produced when bottoming out a key will feel and sound different between the two switches, showcasing how the bottom housing's qualities impact overall performance.
When it comes to the interplay between these housings, the differences highlight the importance of understanding how each component contributes to the switch's acoustic and tactile feedback. In both switches, the top housing primarily influences the sound experienced during the release of the key, while the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, while there are similarities in the sound profiles that result from each switch's softness, the contrasting materials in the bottom housings ensure that users can expect distinct auditory experiences when typing, offering a spectrum of choices for tactile feedback enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present a comparison of actuation and bottom out forces that highlight their differing characteristics. The Oil King (V2) has a clear actuation force of 55 grams, which means it requires a moderate push to register a keystroke, while both switches share a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that the force required to press down fully is the same for both. In terms of overall weight, the Oil King (V2) is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force compared to the U4Tx RGB, where the actuation force remains unspecified. Typists and gamers looking for a lighter experience may prefer the Oil King (V2), as its reduced actuation force facilitates prolonged typing sessions and gaming. Conversely, the consistent bottom out force reinforces that users of both switches will experience a similar tactile feedback when reaching the end of the keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Oil King (V2) offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem small, but it influences the overall feel and responsiveness of the keys when pressed. The shorter travel distance of the U4Tx RGB is likely to appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Oil King (V2) might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a snappier experience with the shorter distance or a more traditional feel with the longer distance.
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 RGB.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, the Oil King (V2) is notably recognized for its low-pitched and bassy profile. This switch produces a sound reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, offering a mellow, rich auditory experience that resonates with depth. In contrast, the sound qualities of the U4Tx RGB are not explicitly outlined, leaving an incomplete understanding of its acoustic characteristics. However, it is important to note that the final sound experience can also be heavily influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Oil King (V2) excels with a buttery, silky, and creamy typing experience. The factory lubrication combined with the materials used contributes to a smooth and polished keystroke that feels effortless and fluid. This makes each key press a seamless action, akin to gliding your fingers across the keyboard with minimal resistance. The tactile aspect of the U4Tx RGB switch is described as featuring a sharp tactile bump, which adds a luxurious feel to the typing experience. However, specific details about the overall smoothness or unique tactile characteristics of the U4Tx are not provided, thus leaving room for interpretation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its buttery smooth feel and rich sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a different tactile experience with its pronounced "thock" bottoming out and quieter top-out. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, as the Oil King (V2) promises smoothness and a deep auditory experience, while the U4Tx RGB provides a refined tactile sensation and may deliver a distinct sound that remains to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a smooth, creamy, and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers over the keys, the Oil King (V2) is your best bet. Its low-pitched, bassy sound profile is ideal for those who appreciate a more subdued acoustic feedback while typing, making it suitable for quiet environments or long hours of use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic typing experience with a tactile bump and a refined "thock" sound upon bottoming out, the U4Tx RGB is the way to go. Its blend of stealthy top-out noise and luxurious tactile feedback caters well to typists who enjoy precision and a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. In essence, choose the Oil King (V2) for a smooth and tranquil typing experience, or opt for the U4Tx RGB when you want a more engaging, tactile feel combined with an enhanced sound.
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