Gateron Oil King switches - 110 pcs

An ode to switches

Imagine keyboards having a beach day. The mechanical switches would cling to their laptops as if they couldn't miss their deadlines, while the rubber keys would sway in the sea breeze, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere without worrying about work.

What are switches?

Mechanical switches are the mechanisms located under the keycaps of mechanical keyboards. Switches come in various types and sizes. In principle, they all do the same thing; the mechanism ensures that a keystroke is registered when you press a key. Each colour or type of switch provides a different feel when pressed.

Some mechanical keyboards are hot-swappable, which means you can easily remove the switches and replace them with new ones. This way, you can customise a keyboard to your liking.

About the Gateron Oil King switches

Linear typing experience

The Gateron Oil King switch is the latest mechanical linear switch with a Nylon PA66 top housing and a housing base made of secret black Ink material. The stem in the top housing is fantastic with ultra-stability and virtually no wobbling. The gold contact at the bottom improves anti-oxidation performance and protects the keyboard switch from corrosion, allowing the switch to last up to 60 million keystrokes. As the name somewhat suggests, the switch is pre-lubricated to prevent friction and sticking.

Physical characteristics

The Oil King switch features a long 20mm black spring, allowing for 55gf actuation and 80gf bottom-out weight, which provides a rather unique and super-smooth typing feel. The pin has been upgraded to a 3.0 Pin with a 0.3-0.33mm triple design for a more reliable connection and a longer lifespan. The stronger pin ensures less damage and deformation and makes hot-swapping (replacing switches without soldering) easier.

Compatibility

The Oil King switches can be used with any Keychron K-series (Gateron Mechanical Hot-Swappable or Keychron Mechanical Hot-Swappable versions only), K Pro-series (normal profile versions only), C- and C Pro-series (Hot-Swappable versions only), V- and V Max-series, Q-, Q Pro- and Q Max-series Keychron keyboards, and L- and P-series Lemokey keyboards.

Types of switches

Linear switches have the simplest operation. They move straight up and down without any tactile feedback or click sound. The smooth keystroke ensures fast movement, which is why linear switches are very popular among gamers. Red switches are often linear.

Tactile switches provide a slight counter-pressure at the moment of actuation to indicate that the keystroke has been registered. There is a noticeable bump. They are ideal for typing because you get an indication without having to press the key all the way down. Brown switches are often tactile.

Clicky switches work similarly to tactile switches, as they also have a noticeable bump. However, there is a small difference: a click sound is added at the moment of key activation. Clicky switches are suitable for people who want to hear a clear indication of their keystroke or for those who want to retain the clicking sound. Blue switches are often clicky.

Differences between types

Not only the keystroke feel differentiates switches, but several other characteristics are also involved. Depending on what suits you and your activities, you can choose the right switch.

The force (or Operating Force) indicates how hard you need to press the key. This is expressed in gram-force (e.g., 50gf).

Also called Pre-travel. This is the point at which the keystroke is recognised by the keyboard. This is indicated in millimetres (e.g., 2.3mm).

Also called Travel distance. This is the distance between the resting position and fully pressing the key. This is also expressed in millimetres (e.g., 4.0mm).