Gateron Oil King vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King and the BSUN Olive offer distinct experiences for users. The Oil King stands out as a linear switch, known for its buttery smoothness and deep sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Olive is a tactile switch with all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback. While the Oil King offers a creamy and polished experience, the Olive provides an invigorating and sharp typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, with the Oil King being categorized as low-pitched and buttery, while the Olive is accented and snappy. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Bsun Olive, both switches use unique materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing produces a pleasing and muted sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While both materials offer different sound experiences, they both enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Oil King features a proprietary INK blend that produces a satisfying, high-pitched sound often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Olive utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the same pleasing and unique sound profile found in its top housing. While the Oil King's bottom housing focuses on delivering a sharp and pointed sound, the Olive's POM bottom housing complements the overall sound profile by adding depth and muting the overall sound experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Oil King and the Bsun Olive play a significant role in shaping their respective sound profiles. The nylon and INK blend materials in the Oil King create a clacky and fuller sound, while the POM materials in the Olive result in a muted and pleasing sound profile with deeper tones. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that reflects the qualities of their housing materials, ultimately providing users with a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy switches when it comes to typing pressure. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bsun Olive would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Oil King would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in terms of typing force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Oil King has a longer travel distance compared to the Olive, providing a deeper key press feel. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Olive switch with its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distance, appealing to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on individual preference for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a resonant and deep sound that sets it apart, although the specific descriptors for the sound profile are not provided for this switch. The sound of both switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a distinct and immersive typing sensation that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch excels in providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, making it a favorite for users seeking a linear switch with a distinct auditory appeal. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound, offering a satisfying typing experience characterized by its unique design and long pole stem. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer compelling qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preferences for feel and sound. If you enjoy a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience with a low-pitched or bassy sound profile, the Oil King may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an accented, invigorating, sharp, or snappy tactile feel with a resonant and deep sound profile, the Olive switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you prefer, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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