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Gateron Oil King Keyboard Switch Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Nov 06, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Gateron Oil King Picture
  1. Updated Nov 06, 2023: Review published.

Compared To Other Keyboard Switches

Gateron Ink Black V2

Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Oil King switches are both linear switches. Both switches come pre-lubed from the factory and are well-known for their smoothness and low-pitched sound profiles out of the box. The Ink Black V2 switches have a slightly rounder, more resonant sound. The Oil Kings have a sharper sound and a marginally more lightweight actuation, but the difference is too small to be very noticeable. Note that both switches have dark housings, which significantly limits the brightness of any RGB lighting. However, the Ink Black V2 housings have a smokey finish, making them a bit better for letting out light than the Oil Kings, which are opaque.

Gateron CJ Light Blue

Gateron CJ Light Blue and Gateron Oil King are linear switches that actuate smoothly through the entire keystroke. The CJ Light Blue switches have a slightly higher-pitched sound, but they're less smooth-feeling from the factory without lubing. On the other hand, the Oil Kings are deeper sounding and smoother out of the box. However, they have an opaque black upper housing that will dampen RGB lighting somewhat.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
8.1
Design
Compatibility
Cherry MX PCB Pinout
Yes
Pin Count
5
Keycap Mount
MX Style
5.0
Design
Illumination
Upper Housing Color
Black
Upper Housing Finish
Opaque
Performance
Performance
Keystrokes
Feel
Linear
Operating Force
49 gf
Actuation Force
48 gf
Pre-Travel Distance
2.1 mm
Total Travel Distance
3.9 mm
7.8
Performance
Factory Smoothness
Scratchy Factor
18.7
Mid Actuation Peak Noise
-73.0 dB
Mid Actuation Peak Frequency
1,076 Hz
7.7
Performance
Latency
Press Average
1.7 ms
Press Std Dev
ยฑ0.23 ms
Release Average
6.2 ms
Release Std Dev
ยฑ0.36 ms