Gateron Oil King vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider. Two popular options from Gateron are the Oil King and the Silent Ink Black, both of which are linear switches. The Oil King is best known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. This switch is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments that require less noise. With a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is categorized as silky, muted, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Although both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, the Oil King offers a more mellow and immersive typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a clacky and sharp sound.
Similarly, when examining the bottom housings of the two switches, we find that they also contribute to the overall sound profile. Both switches feature Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which results in a pointed and higher-pitched sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that when you press down on the switch, you will experience the satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound commonly described as clacky. Although the bottom housings are the same for both switches, the overall sound may still differ due to the influence of the top housing.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer different sound profiles, primarily influenced by their unique top housings. The Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound often described as clacky. However, both switches share the same INK blend bottom housing, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound upon bottoming out. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer impressive typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are slight differences to consider. The Oil King has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Oil King has a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly heavier force of 70 grams to fully press down. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range.
The weight of the switches is an important factor for many individuals. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Oil King, as it allows for typing or gaming sessions over extended periods without causing excessive strain or fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ink Black, as it provides a slightly stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
In terms of similarities, both switches offer a similar typing experience, as they fall within the medium-heavy category. The actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close, ensuring that users can achieve similar results regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide users with the same tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which directly influences the feeling one gets when typing. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of the experience and feel of pressing down on keys. Therefore, whether using the Gateron Oil King or the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, the travel distance will be the same, offering a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone during key presses. The sound profile is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a pleasant and mellow auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound. This is especially useful in environments that require minimal noise from mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Oil King and Silent Ink Black switches provide a silky and polished typing experience. The Oil King switch is known for its creamy and buttery feel, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness is attributed to either factory lubrication or specific materials used. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, reducing resistance and ensuring smooth key travel. The refined finish of these switches enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes any friction.
In summary, the Gateron Oil King linear switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile while providing a creamy, silky, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound and the same silky and polished feel. Both switches excel in their respective areas, with the Oil King delivering a more distinctive sound and the Silent Ink Black offering a quieter typing solution. Depending on your preference for sound and the level of noise required in your environment, either of these switches will provide a satisfying and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Oil King and Gateron Silent Ink Black are both excellent options to consider. The Oil King is best known for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile, which gives a satisfying typing experience reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for those who require a quieter typing environment, thanks to its muted sound and cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel. Both switches offer a silky typing experience and smooth key travel, making them ideal for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the Oil King and Silent Ink Black comes down to individual preferences and requirements. Whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound or a quieter typing experience, both switches will provide a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
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