Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

Overview

The Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are both linear switches that offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel. The Oil King is best known for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished sound profile, which is reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, providing a crisp and responsive feel. Its sound profile is categorized as neutral, buttery, and polished. Both switches offer a deeply satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$6.50 per 10

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ significantly. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is especially advantageous for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, these two housing materials offer contrasting sound profiles, with nylon offering a softer and more mellow tone while polycarbonate provides a sharper and clearer sound.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Oil King incorporates a proprietary INK blend. This unique blend yields a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp, resulting in a clacky sound that many find satisfying. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing, similar to the Oil King's nylon top housing. As mentioned before, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. Therefore, both switches share a similar characteristic in their bottom housing, as they both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile.

When comparing the overall impact of the two switches, the bottom housing plays a greater role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on either the Oil King or the WS Onion, you will primarily experience the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials. However, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion will largely depend on the desired sound profile during the typing process and the specific sound experience one seeks when lifting their fingers off the keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Onion's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is considered medium-heavy, with the Oil King requiring 65 grams and the WS Onion requiring 63.5 grams.

Considering weight is important for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces, as this allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This can be especially useful for individuals using a keyboard at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for switches with heavier forces.

In terms of weight, the Gateron Oil King can be considered slightly lighter as it has a lower actuation force compared to the WS Onion (which does not have an available actuation force measurement). Both switches, however, fall under the medium-heavy category when it comes to their bottom out force. Therefore, if one is looking for a similar experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Gateron Oil King switch would be a suitable choice.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced is moderate, suitable for most intents and purposes regardless of skill level or usage environment. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to the feel, both the Oil King and the WS Onion switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience. The Oil King is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These descriptors indicate a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Similarly, the WS Onion switch is also described as buttery and polished, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation with smooth and refined key travel. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Overall, both the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches provide a buttery smoothness and satisfying typing experience. While the Oil King has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound. In terms of feel, both switches deliver a smooth and polished typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. These switches are excellent choices for those looking for a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you choose the Oil King or the WS Onion, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction.

Conclusion

In closing, both the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer similar bottom out forces, with the Oil King at 65 grams and the WS Onion at 63.5 grams. They both provide a medium-heavy typing experience.

If you prioritize a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King would be the better choice for you. It is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound, providing a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile that suits most intents and purposes, the WS Onion is the way to go. It offers a crisp and responsive feel without any specific emphasis on pitch or tone.

In terms of feel, both switches exhibit a buttery typing experience. The Oil King is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke. Similarly, the WS Onion is also described as buttery and polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you desire a switch with a richer and mellow sound reminiscent of dark chocolate and a variety of descriptors for a smooth typing experience, the Oil King is the recommended option. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a combination of buttery and polished feel, the WS Onion is the switch for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Oil King (V2) Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn more