Oil King
These Oil Kings are easily one of our favorite linear switches. When using them, we find buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping.
$6.50
$6.15
10 switches/order
FREE Shipping on orders over $49.00 and free returns on all orders.
Orders ship from California and arrive within 2-5 days.
Weight
Light
Heavy
Depth
Shallow
Regular
Technical data
| Switch type | Linear |
| Switch brand | Gateron |
| Manufacturer | Gateron |
| Top housing material | Nylon |
| Bottom housing material | Proprietary INK blend |
| Mount type | PCB (5-pin) |
| Stem construction | Standard |
| Stem material | POM |
| Spring | Color coated |
| Actuation weight | 55g |
| Bottom-out weight | 65g |
| Factory lube status | Yes, factory lubed |
| Pre-travel distance | 2.00 mm |
| Total travel distance | 4.00 mm |
The technical data of a switch can be hard to understand. Our goal here is to demystify how these specs affect feel and sound. We hope this helps you discover whether or not a switch might be a good fit.
Actuation: 55g
A switch's actuation force, or force required to trigger a keystroke, on the Gateron Oil King requires 55g of force. This is heavier than 62% of other switches' actuation force in our selection.
A switch's actuation force is based on the entire switch design.
Bottom-out: 65g
Bottoming out, or pressing all the way down, on this Gateron Oil King switch requires 65g of force. With a heavier bottom-out than 73% of switches in our selection, the Gateron Oil King is considered medium-heavy.
A switch's bottom-out force is dependent solely on its spring weight.
What matters more: Actuation or Bottom-out Force?
If you prefer to bottom-out when you type, bottom-out force is the more relevant measurement. If you do not, then actuation force is more relevant.
Factory Lubed
The Gateron Oil King is factory lubed. This is done to reduce friction and improve the feel of the switch. Other effects include reduced noise and if a tactile switch, slightly decreased tactility. Choosing a factory lubed switch saves you time and energy from having to lube the switch yourself. Factories have drastically improved the lubing process over the years, meaning more and more factory-lubed switches are great to use out-of-the-box.
Top Housing: Nylon
Nylon is the Gateron Oil King's top housing material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. In part, this is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, thereby creating a duller and rounder sound.
Bottom Housing: Proprietary INK blend
Proprietary INK blend is the Gateron Oil King's bottom housing material. The proprietary INK blend by Gateron is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile. This satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as being clacky.
A note on housings
The Gateron Oil King uses different materials in its top and bottom housings. As such, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and the top of the switch.
When you press down on this switch you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing: the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when you let go of a key.
Mount type: PCB (5-pin)
The Gateron Oil King is a PCB (5-pin) mount switch. PCB-mount, or 5-pin, switches feature 2 extra alignment pins when compared to their 3-pin counterparts. This ensures alignment (i.e. switch won't rotate and will stay in place) if your keyboard does not feature a plate or if you choose not to use one. If your keyboard's PCB does not have holes for these alignment pins, you will need to trim them off before installing them.
Stem construction: Standard
The cross-shaped stem construction is the most standard as well as the most classic, as it is derived from the original Cherry switches.
Descriptors
When referring to the sound, a buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
Bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The sound can be characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
When referring to a polished switch, this indicates a switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to either materials used and/or due to factory lubing. You can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel with these switches.
Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
Creamy keyboard switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. Frequently, this is due to having lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, but this could also be because of specific materials. When typing on a creamy switch, you can expect a silky sensation. It's like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke.
A silky switch refers to a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimze resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Sound test
Try Gateron Oil King switches before buying them
Pick 10 switches and we'll send them your way to try at home for 5 days.
How it works
First, pick 10 switches you want to try. Then, we'll send you those 10 switches to try at home for 5 days. You'll get to experience the switches and see how they feel. We'll also include a guide to help you pick your favorite switch and a preprinted return shipping label.
What comes in my try at-home box?
The 10 switches you choose will be installed on switch tester bases so you can type on them as you would on a normal keyboard. Your try at-home kit comes with a preprinted return shipping label.
How much does this try-before-you-buy program cost?
At just $15—shipping included—the try at-home program is the most cost-effective way to try switches before buying them. At less than half the cost of switch testers and with more than triple the variety to choose from, you can try before you buy without breaking the bank so you can be sure you're getting the right switch for your needs.
How do I buy the switches I want?
Send back the switches in your box using your prepaid label and purchase your favorite (or favorites)!
Everything that's included
First, try switches at home with shipping included both ways. After purchasing the switches you love most, know your switches come with a 30-day, hassle-free return or exchange policy. If you don't love your switches, we'll take them back—no questions asked.
