Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options available, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Two popular choices among enthusiasts are the Gateron Oil King and the Durock White Lotus switches. The Oil King is a beloved linear switch, known for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the strengths of each switch, 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Durock White Lotus have different housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, indicating a different sound experience compared to the Oil King. While both switches utilize different materials for their top housing, similarities may be found in their deeper and fuller sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing, the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. This produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, giving it a satisfying clacky characteristic. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to the Oil King's top housing material. This means that both switches share the classic switch housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. However, the specific qualities of the bottom housing may differ, with the Oil King emphasizing a clacky sound and the White Lotus potentially offering a different impact upon bottoming out.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housings on sound and feel, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom can significantly alter the overall typing experience. With the Oil King and White Lotus, their differing housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles, with the Oil King delivering a clacky, higher-pitched sound, while the White Lotus may offer a unique and premium feel accompanied by a deeper and fuller sound. However, in terms of the nylon material used in both switches, a similar result of a deeper and fuller sound profile may be obtained, although the specific characteristics of each switch may differ due to other factors such as their modified PC & UPE Blend top housing or Gateron's proprietary INK blend.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are some notable differences. The Gateron Oil King linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch requires a slightly lighter 46 grams of force to actuate. This means that the White Lotus provides a slightly more sensitive and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gateron Oil King requires 65 grams of force, while the Durock White Lotus only requires 56 grams. This suggests that the Oil King provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced push feel. Overall, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, offering a smoother and more effortless keystroke. However, it's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range, providing users with a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel a consistent distance traveled for both switches. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall experience when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. However, the Oil King switch is also described as "bassy," which means it has a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it falls within a moderate range and is suitable for most intents and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is often described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. This implies that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Oil King switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These qualities suggest that it offers a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The White Lotus switch enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, you can expect similar results with the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch as they both offer a silky sensation and a smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Oil King would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a delightful typing experience with their creamy and silky feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The Oil King switches are also known for their low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which adds a deep and rich tone to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Durock White Lotus would be the perfect fit. These switches provide a gentle resistance and easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. The White Lotus switches also offer a subtle sound profile, suitable for shared spaces. Furthermore, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the Durock White Lotus depends on your preference for linear versus tactile switches, as well as the desired typing experience and sound profile.
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