Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that evokes the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. Its low-pitched, creamy, and silky characteristics make it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque offers a different experience, focusing on the needs of those in office and work environments. These switches strike a delicate balance, providing a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. With ingenious stem railings and an absence of silicone dampeners, these switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, all while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Categorized as accented, invigorating, and neutral, the WS Silent Tactile switches create a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are both made of nylon for their top housings. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which offers a distinct pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as being clacky. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's sound-absorbing properties.
Thus, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the Gateron Oil King will have a more defined and sharp sound, while the WS Silent Tactile will have a deeper and fuller sound. When releasing a key, the top housing material will come into play, with both switches being made of nylon. Therefore, the sound produced when letting go of a key will be similar, resulting in a consistent experience between the two switches in this aspect.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches share the same nylon top housing, creating a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. However, their bottom housings differ, with the Oil King featuring Gateron's INK blend for a more pointed and high-pitched sound, and the WS Silent Tactile using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound. Nevertheless, when releasing a key, the top housing's impact on sound is more prominent, resulting in a similar experience for both switches in this aspect.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Oil King is 55 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable. Although the exact force for the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, it is safe to assume that it falls within a similar range as the Oil King since both switches are classified as medium-heavy. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Oil King requires 65 grams of force to bottom out, while the WS Silent Tactile requires 63.5 grams. In terms of weight, both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience with a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Oil King, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier WS Silent Tactile.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which is the most traditional distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the WS Silent Tactile offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Oil King. Gamers who are looking for faster response times may prefer the WS Silent Tactile due to its shorter travel distance. It provides a more responsive and reactive feel when pressing down on a key. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper press, the Gateron Oil King with its longer travel distance would be a better choice. The Oil King offers a more satisfying keystroke with a larger degree of key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel during typing or gaming sessions.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 best characterized as low-pitched and bassy. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a more neutral and muted sound. The sound produced by these switches is softer and quieter compared to regular switches, thanks to the absence of silicone dampeners commonly found in silent switches. While the Oil King offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the WS Silent Tactile provides a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various environments such as offices and workspaces. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a sleek and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The typing sensation is effortless, uniform, and seamless, as though you are gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, and mild. These switches provide a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming. They have a moderate to firm actuation force and create a snappy and reactive feel during typing, providing an immersive typing sensation. The WS Silent Tactile switches are considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, along with a smooth and buttery feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile provides a more neutral and muted sound, paired with a medium level of tactility and an invigorating typing experience. These switches cater to different preferences and environments, with the Oil King being suitable for those who enjoy a deeper sound and a smooth typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile appeals to those who prefer a quieter sound and a more tactile typing feel. However, it's important to note that individual preferences may vary, and it is recommended to try out different switches to determine your personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery linear switch with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Gateron Oil King is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing experience, with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is the ideal option. These switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, while maintaining an impressively silent profile. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, they provide a medium-heavy feel. Ultimately, it depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired sound and feel. Consider whether you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience or a more tactile and immersive feel.
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