TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump, allowing typists to stay focused on their tasks without being disrupted by loud keystrokes. In contrast, the Oil King offers a smooth and buttery feel with a dark chocolate bar snapping sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a creamy and polished typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who prefer understated tactile feedback, the Oil King is well-suited for individuals seeking a smooth and luxurious 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Oil King switches offer distinct characteristics that impact the sound profile and feel of typing. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique benefits, the polycarbonate housing of the Gold Brown Pro may be preferred for those who enjoy a more resonant and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Oil King switches utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Oil King also introduces a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which adds a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. This blend offers a unique typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a thinner and more high-pitched sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Oil King switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing materials in influencing sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a rounder and duller sound, with the Oil King offering a distinct INK blend bottom housing for a clacky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the Oil King is the heavier option. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro's force is unknown, while the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, making it important for users to consider their personal preferences before making a choice.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding the travel distance that feels most comfortable and suitable for individual typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
The Gateron Oil King 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving off a deep and satisfying tone that is not overly loud. This switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, with a subtle tactility that allows for a gentle resistance while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch emits a low-pitched and bassy sound, resembling the snap of a dark chocolate bar. It offers a creamy and silky typing feel, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke.
Taking all the information into account, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with nuanced qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle tactile feedback and a thocky sound, the Oil King focuses on a creamy and buttery typing feel with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or linear typing experience, both switches can offer similar results in terms of overall smoothness and typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keypress and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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