Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. The Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its buttery smoothness and a pleasing sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of dark chocolate being broken, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more tactile, low-pitched experience. Its creamy and polished characteristics provide a luxurious feel that enhances long typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed specifically with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm. This speed-oriented switch ensures quick response times, making it perfect for rapid-fire gaming scenarios, while its bright, clacky sound profile adds a unique auditory element to each keystroke. Both switches have their merits: the Oil King (V2) for a refined typing feel and the Vintage Citrus for optimal gaming performance. However, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus both feature nylon top housings, which align them in terms of sound profile. The use of nylon as a housing material is significant because it provides a deep and full sound while typing. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This shared characteristic ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a pleasant typing sound that minimizes sharpness and emphasizes warmth, making both options suitable for those who prioritize acoustic quality in their mechanical keyboards.
However, the bottom housing of the Oil King (V2) diverges notably from that of the Vintage Citrus. The Gateron Oil King (V2) incorporates a proprietary INK blend material for its bottom housing, contributing to a pointed, higher-pitched, and more clacky sound profile. This characteristic contrasts starkly with the HMX Vintage Citrus, which also adopts nylon for its bottom housing. As such, users typing on the Vintage Citrus will experience a sound profile that is consistent with its soft nylon standard—resulting in a similar deep and full acoustic quality but lacking the sharper, more pronounced sound of the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing. Consequently, while both switches share a nylon top, the differences in their bottom materials shape the overall auditory experience significantly.
These differences in materials underline how the typing experience can vary even when certain components are the same. With the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus having nylon tops, they will resonate with similar warmth during key releases. However, the impact of the INK blend bottom in the Oil King creates a unique sharper note when bottoming out, contrasting with the Vintage Citrus's consistent deep tone influenced entirely by its nylon housing. Thus, while typists can expect an enjoyable and resonant sound from either option, those seeking a more defined bottoming sound and tactile feedback may find the Oil King (V2) more appealing, whereas fans of a consistent, muted sound throughout may prefer the Vintage Citrus.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch showcase distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Oil King (V2) requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight means that the Oil King (V2) may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Vintage Citrus can be more suitable for extended typing sessions due to its lighter touch. Overall, the Oil King (V2) is the heavier option, making it ideal for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the lighter switch, catering to those seeking comfort and ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Oil King (V2) has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The Oil King (V2), with its more traditional 4 mm distance, provides a deeper and more substantial feel with each keypress, making it suitable for those who appreciate a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower 3 mm travel, caters to those who favor a more responsive and rapid keypress, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quick response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus speed, as the Oil King (V2) offers a longer and more deliberate travel distance while the Vintage Citrus provides a shorter and potentially faster experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is characterized by its deep, low-pitched timbre that closely resembles the rich, satisfying sound of a dark chocolate bar snapping. This tonal quality provides a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, allowing for pleasant keypresses that are not overly jarring. In contrast, details surrounding the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus are unknown. However, given that this switch is specifically designed for gamers, it likely prioritizes auditory feedback that complements quick, repetitive actions, possibly leaning towards a more clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Oil King (V2) stands out for its luxurious typing experience, described with terms such as creamy, silky, and buttery. This suggests that users can expect a notably smooth, polished keystroke that feels effortless as fingers glide over the keys. The switch's refined nature likely stems from its factory lubrication and the materials used, leading to a seamless typing experience with minimal resistance. The feel of the Vintage Citrus switch, however, remains unknown, making it difficult to directly compare with the captivating texture of the Oil King.
Bringing together the available information, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is a switch that excels in both sound and feel, offering a rich auditory experience and an exceptionally smooth typing sensation that many users find appealing. Meanwhile, while the HMX Vintage Citrus likely takes a different approach to sound—potentially favoring a bright clack for gaming—its feel characteristics are not defined. For newcomers looking to choose between these two options, the Oil King provides a known experience of luxurious smoothness and deep sound, while the Vintage Citrus promises a lightweight actuation that may appeal to rapid input enthusiasts, though its tactile experience remains a mystery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will primarily depend on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you favor a slightly heavier key press with a smooth and luxurious feel, the Oil King (V2) might be the better option for you. Its buttery and creamy typing experience, combined with a low-pitched, bassy sound, makes it particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more tactile and immersive typing environment. This switch is especially appealing for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, where comfort and sound can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if speed and rapid-fire performance are your top priorities, the Vintage Citrus switch should be your go-to choice. With a lighter actuation force and an exceptionally quick actuation at just 1mm, this switch is tailor-made for hardcore gamers who require quick response times without sacrificing smoothness. Its bright, clacky sound profile adds a lively touch to your gameplay, making it perfect for those high-intensity moments. Ultimately, your decision should rest on whether you prioritize a more refined and smooth experience or need to maximize your speed and performance in gaming scenarios.
Mentioned in this article
