TTC Iron vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, both offer a smooth typing experience. The TTC Iron is lauded for its pronounced clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King provides a buttery smooth feel with a sound profile likened to snapping dark chocolate. The TTC Iron is best suited for those who prefer easy-to-press keys with a mild actuation force, while the Oil King appeals to users who enjoy a low-pitched, creamy keystroke. 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
41g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and Gateron Oil King switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Iron's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. In terms of bottom housing, the Iron's POM material also results in a deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and higher-pitched, yet not sharp, clacky sound.
Although both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. This split in housing material characteristics allows for a diverse range of tactile experiences when typing on either switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Iron and Gateron Oil King switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Iron's POM housings create a more pleasing and deep sound, the Oil King's nylon and proprietary INK blend housings provide a fuller and clacky sound experience. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, offering users the opportunity to choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch differ significantly in terms of weight. The Iron has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Oil King features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the Iron is lighter in both aspects, the Oil King offers a medium-heavy feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Iron being the lighter option and the Oil King offering a heavier typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth linear operation, so users can expect similar results in terms of key response and typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear 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 Iron switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King switch. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how each switch feels when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Iron switch to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Oil King switch for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Iron linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each press. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, creating a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Iron offering a more pronounced clackiness while the Oil King delivers a smoother and deeper sound.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the Iron switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In comparison, the Gateron Oil King switch provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing feel. These descriptors signify a smooth and effortless keystroke experience, where fingers glide across the keys with ease. Overall, both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing sensation, with the Iron focusing on easy pressing and the Oil King emphasizing smoothness and lubrication.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Iron switch boasts a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Oil King switch presents a low-pitched and buttery smooth sound profile coupled with a creamy and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics. It is important to consider how these switches will complement your typing style and overall typing satisfaction to determine the most suitable option for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light actuation force and a distinct clacky sound, the Iron switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a medium-heavy actuation force and a smooth, low-pitched sound with a creamy, silky typing feel, the Oil King switch could be the ideal option. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and can enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
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