Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The Oil King is praised for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile, reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a remarkable tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance of 70g with each keystroke. Not only do these switches deliver an immersive typing experience, but they also offer a captivating sound profile with their nylon housings contributing to a "thocky" resonance. Both switches provide unique qualities and characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision about which switch suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both use nylon as their top housing material. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches. The nylon in these housings is relatively softer, which means it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. So, if you're looking for a switch that offers a similar sound profile, both the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile would deliver satisfying results.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This unique blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound without being overly sharp, resulting in a clacky feel. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. This nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile described earlier. Thus, the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will differ, with the Oil King offering a sharper and more distinct sound compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's duller and rounder sound.
It's worth noting that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. So, when using the Oil King, you can expect a sharper and clackier sensation compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which would deliver a softer and smoother bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. Both switches' nylon top housings contribute to the deeper and fuller sound profile during the key release. Therefore, while they may feel slightly different in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the resulting sound when releasing a key would be similar for both the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Oil King switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This provides a substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has an unavailable actuation force and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for those who require extended typing sessions such as at work or during gaming sessions. While the differences in actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to different preferences, it is important to note that both switches offer satisfying typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Oil King switch provides a more traditional travel distance, offering a deeper and more satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. Both options have their advantages; the Oil King switch provides a more substantial keystroke depth, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more responsive experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and whether one prioritizes a deeper keystroke feel or a quicker response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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. The low-pitched switches provide a mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This creates a pleasing auditory experience, and the sound can be compared to the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. This means that the switch produces a sharp, crisp, and immersive sound when pressed. The sound profile is clean and sharp, creating an engaging auditory feedback. While the two switches have different sound characteristics, they both offer distinct and satisfying sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. The switch feels smooth and buttery to type on, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. This is due to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing experience. The switch offers pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a tactile and reactive feel. The switch gives a lively and rebounding sensation when pressed. Again, the two switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Gateron Oil King being smooth and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile being more tactile and bouncy.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, as well as a creamy and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, along with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feel. While the switches have their unique characteristics, they both offer satisfying and immersive typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a smoother and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Oil King is a great choice. If you prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch will suit your needs.
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 is an excellent choice. These switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go. These switches boast a pronounced tactile bump and an invigorating typing sensation. With their clacky and resonant sound profile, each keystroke is sharp and crisp. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile feel, as well as the desired sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience.
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