KTT F2 vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT F2 and the Gateron Oil King are two popular options to consider. The KTT F2 switches are known for their distinct hollow sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. With a medium-light weightiness and a lightly textured feel, typing on the F2 switches offers a comfortable and tactile nuance to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switches stand out for their buttery smoothness and dark chocolate-like sound profile. The F2 offers a categorization of feathery, mild, neutral, subdued, subtle, while the Oil King offers a categorization of low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, polished. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the Gateron Oil King, we see that the F2 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The polycarbonate material in the F2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon material in the Oil King produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more subdued and rounder typing experience. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the F2's polycarbonate stands out for its clear and crisp sound, while the Oil King's nylon provides a more mellow and full-bodied typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the F2's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, making it suitable for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing is likely not transparent, offering a more traditional look without the translucency. However, both materials have their own visual appeal, with polycarbonate offering a modern and sleek appearance, while nylon exudes a classic and timeless charm. Additionally, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing in the Oil King adds a unique touch to the overall design, giving it a distinctive look and feel compared to the F2's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT F2 and the Gateron Oil King will depend on personal preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics. Both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to their unique typing experiences. Whether you prefer the clear and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the F2 or the deep and full sound of nylon in the Oil King, each switch has its own strengths that cater to different preferences. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience due to the careful selection of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the F2 is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Oil King is heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The F2 offers a medium-light typing experience, making it ideal for those looking to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Oil King provides a medium-heavy push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the F2 being lighter and the Oil King being heavier. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces dictate the typing experience, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their needs.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can be significant for users who are sensitive to the feel of the keys. The shorter travel distance of the F2 may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Oil King may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how you like the keys to feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique advantages, so trying them out to see which one suits your needs best is recommended.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT F2 comes in at $3.90, 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 KTT F2 linear switch is known for its unique sound signature, described as neutral and subdued, offering a moderate and dampened sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy sound, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The F2's feel is described as feathery, mild, and subtle, offering a light typing experience with a lightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Oil King switch is known for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Overall, while the F2 switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a distinct sound and subtle feel, the Oil King switch stands out for its buttery smoothness and rich sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more luxurious typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should consider several factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a distinct hollow sound signature with lightly textured keystrokes, then the F2 switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and cherish buttery smoothness with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Oil King switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize comfort and tactile feedback (F2) or smoothness and sound profile (Oil King) in your typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
