Gateron Oil King vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Oil King is renowned for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a unique typing experience with its ingeniously designed stem railings that effectively reduce switch noise while providing exceptional responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear forgoes silicone dampeners, resulting in a distinct typing sensation that combines tranquility and precision. However, to make the best decision on which switch is right for you, let's delve deeper into their characteristics beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear share the use of a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches when it comes to the sound emitted while pressing down on the keys.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two. The Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This unique blend offers a satisfying "clacky" sound that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear incorporates a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. Therefore, the WS Silent Linear is expected to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties.
When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can anticipate a "clacky" sound and feel when using the Gateron Oil King, due to its INK blend bottom housing, while the WS Silent Linear may offer a slightly softer and rounder sound during both the depression and release of a key, thanks to its nylon bottom and top housing combination.
In summary, both the Gateron Oil King and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear utilize nylon as their top housing material, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials, with the Oil King featuring Gateron's INK blend for a more pointed and clacky sound, and the WS Silent Linear using nylon for a potentially duller and rounder sound. Nonetheless, each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, creating distinct characteristics for users to consider.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Oil King switch is lighter with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is also categorized as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Oil King switch would be a suitable choice as the actuation force is relatively low, allowing for comfortable and extended typing sessions. Similarly, the WS Silent Linear switch is likely to provide this lighter feel, although the exact actuation force is not specified.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Oil King switch would still be a viable option as its bottom out force is slightly higher than that of the WS Silent Linear switch. While both switches fall into the medium-heavy category for bottom out force, the Oil King switch is slightly heavier in this regard.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear switch is not provided, the Oil King switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the WS Silent Linear switch. Both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, making them suitable choices for individuals who prefer a more substantial feel while typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have different travel distances. The Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Linear would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. The shorter distance allows for faster response times, which is favored by gamers and those looking for a quick typing experience. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper keystroke, the Oil King with its longer travel distance would be the better option. The longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on the individual's preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Oil King comes in at $6.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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 is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy tone. The sound produced by these switches is deep and rich, with a mellow quality reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offers a more neutral and muted sound profile. These switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. The sound is subdued and dampened, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and effortless keystroke, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The typing sensation is seamless and uniform, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches offer a more approachable feel, standing in a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King provides a low-pitched, bassy sound with a creamy and buttery typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Linear offers a more neutral and muted sound with a mild and gentle typing experience. While they have distinct characteristics, it's important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard to determine the best switch for an individual's needs. Similar results in sound and feel can be achieved with both switches, but the choice ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing experience, then the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, ensuring a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and muted sound profile, with a mild and gentle typing experience, then the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a tranquil and precise typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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