Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer contrasting typing experiences are the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Oil King. The Box Jade is a clicky switch, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and tactility. Typing on these switches, you will be greeted with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, making them suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Oil King is a linear switch, offering a completely different typing experience. Known for their buttery smoothness, these switches provide a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. With a low-pitched and creamy feel, the Oil King switches offer a more subtle and polished typing experience. However, 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Oil King have different housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Oil King has a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Box Jade offers a brighter and more vibrant sound, while the Oil King provides a deeper and more resonant tone.
Similarly, their bottom housings also have different materials with unique sound characteristics. The Box Jade has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softness and sound absorption properties. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. The INK blend combines specific properties to deliver a satisfying and distinctive sound profile. So, while both switches have nylon in their housing materials, they differ in terms of the blend used and the resulting sound.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident. The softer nylon in the Box Jade's bottom housing gives it a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its characteristic clacky sound. When releasing a key, the impact of the top housing becomes more apparent. The polycarbonate in the Box Jade's top housing produces a sharp and resonant sound, while the nylon in the Oil King's top housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Overall, the different housing materials in these switches result in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. This means that the Box Jade requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Box Jade also has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Oil King's 65 grams.
In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. In this regard, the Box Jade would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer switches with heavier forces. The Oil King, with its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force, would cater to this preference.
It is important to note that both the Box Jade and the Oil King fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, providing a balance between typing comfort and key response. So, while there are differences in force between the two switches, choosing either would result in a similar typing experience, albeit with slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm may seem small, but it can actually make a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience.
If you are someone who values faster response times and prefers a more sensitive switch, the Kailh Box Jade with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice for you. This switch allows for quicker key presses and is particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke, the Gateron Oil King with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. The additional 0.4 mm of travel allows for a more satisfying and immersive typing experience.
It is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in selecting the optimal switch. Some individuals find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer the longer, more gradual keystrokes provided by switches with longer travel distances. In contrast, others find the longer travel distances to be excessive and prefer the snappier and quicker actuation of shorter travel switches. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Regardless of the chosen switch, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer high-quality performance and will satisfy the requirements of most users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50, whereas the Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50.
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
The Kailh Box Jade switch is best known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more rich and sharp sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The sound produced by these switches is more mellow and bass-heavy, similar to the deep and rich tones associated with bass frequencies. The Oil King switch offers a different auditory experience compared to the Box Jade, with a smooth and dark chocolate bar snapping sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is characterized as being accented and invigorating. The accented tactile feedback of these switches is not hypertactile but still provides a noticeable amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The invigorating typing sensation is achieved through a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth due to either lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in their construction. Typing on the Oil King switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with reduced resistance and a refined finish.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Oil King switches offer different subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with accented and invigorating tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. Both switches provide unique experiences, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences. If you prefer a sharp and crisp sound with medium-heavy typing and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the ideal choice. If you prefer a mellow and bass-heavy sound with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Oil King is the perfect fit.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches offer crisp and satisfying clicks, as well as crunchy tactile bumps when typing. They have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced level of resistance.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switches are an excellent option. These switches offer a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, creating a rich and mellow tone. The Oil Kings have a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams, giving them a medium-heavy feel.
Ultimately, the choice between Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Oil King switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the satisfying clicky sound and pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Jade switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing sensation with a lower-pitched sound, the Oil King switches are the better option.
In closing, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switches and the Gateron Oil King linear switches offer unique experiences and have their own strengths. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile when making your decision. Whether you choose the Box Jades or the Oil Kings, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience.
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