Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Yanyu. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, but they each offer their own unique characteristics. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and dark chocolate-like sound profile, described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a more delicate typing experience, ideal for prolonged use. Its material blend results in a crisp sound profile, categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished. However, let's delve further beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Yanyu switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. Although it is not particularly sharp, this blend lends a slightly brighter sound profile compared to the Oil King. Despite their differences, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their respective top housings.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Oil King employs a proprietary INK blend that creates a relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound. This blend contributes to a satisfying clacky sound when typing on the switch. The Yanyu, on the other hand, incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this blend offers a unique sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while the Gateron Oil King and the SP-Star Yanyu switches have different housing materials, they both deliver pleasing sound profiles in their own right. The Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing leans towards a brighter tone. Similarly, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing creates a clacky sound, while the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing offers a unique, slightly brighter sound. Overall, both switches ensure an enjoyable typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams, creating a medium-heavy feel, while the actuation force of the Yanyu is currently unknown. The bottom out force of the Oil King is 65 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, resulting in a lighter touch.
Weight plays a significant role in switch selection, as it affects typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lightweight switch may opt for the Yanyu, as its lower bottom out force allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may prefer the Oil King, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel, enhancing the typing satisfaction for users who enjoy this sensory feedback.
While specific details regarding the actuation force of the Yanyu switch are unavailable, if it were to have a similar actuation force as the Oil King, both switches would offer comparable results in terms of trigger sensitivity. This would indicate that whether a user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force, they could achieve their desired typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches depends on the individual's preference for typing feel, with the Oil King offering a medium-heavy touch and the Yanyu providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be identical. Therefore, whether you choose the Oil King or the Yanyu, you can expect to have a similar experience in terms of the travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable keystroke, ensuring a smooth typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
The Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. This switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It can be described as creamy, silky, and polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who need to type for long periods of time. It has a crisp sound profile, described as neutral and thocky. A thocky keyboard switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. The Yanyu switch also provides a gentle typing experience, with qualities like mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. It offers a smooth and refined finish, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In summary, the Gateron Oil King and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King provides a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound with a buttery smoothness and a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu offers a more delicate and crisp sound profile, with a gentle typing experience described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. Both switches feature a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, while the switches do have different qualities, they share some similarities. Both switches have a polished finish that contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction. Additionally, they both offer a typing experience that is smooth and refined. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of typing feel and sound, either switch can provide a satisfactory experience depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and buttery typing experience, then the Oil King would be a great choice for you. The sound profile of the Oil King is low-pitched and bassy, offering a mellow and rich tone during key presses. Additionally, the Oil King provides a creamy, silky, and polished feel, allowing for effortless and uniform typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and desire a more delicate typing experience for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would be more suitable. The Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The sound profile of the Yanyu is neutral and thocky, providing a moderate and satisfying sound when pressed. The Yanyu also offers a mild, feathery, and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and comfortable typing experience with reduced strain on your fingers.
Overall, both switches have their unique advantages and are suited for different preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, choosing the right switch will enhance your typing experience and ensure a more enjoyable time with your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
