Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the Jerrzi Violet offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Oil King stands out as a linear switch, praised for its buttery smoothness and deep bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet is a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and gentle poppy tactility, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Jerrzi Violet, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Violet features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While the Oil King's nylon top housing absorbs more sound for a duller sound, the Violet's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and resonant sound experience.
Furthermore, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, another distinction can be made between the two switches. The Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing is known for its relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing counterpart. Both switches offer unique sound qualities based on their respective bottom housing materials, catering to different preferences for typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While the Oil King's combination of nylon top and proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a balance between deep and clacky sound profiles, the Violet's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a distinct sharp and clear sound experience. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials allows for customization and fine-tuning of the typing experience to suit individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a higher actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch at 45 grams, making the Oil King slightly heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Oil King heavier to press all the way down compared to the Violet. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Violet switch for a smoother typing experience, especially for extended periods of use. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced and substantial keystroke may opt for the Oil King for a more tactile and firm typing feel. Both switches offer different weight preferences, so users can choose based on their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Violet has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oil King being on the longer side and the Violet being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Oil King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy tones, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience suitable for various purposes. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Oil King switch is often described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is noted for its stepped tactile feel, which provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to hyper-tactile switches, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during key presses.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Oil King provides a rich and smooth sound profile along with a buttery typing experience, the Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature and stepped tactile feel for a more subtle tactile feedback. Depending on the user's preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing feel with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature, the Violet switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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