Gateron Oil King is a linear mechanical switch from Gateron released in January 2022 with a 55 gf operating force and 2 mm pre-travel, 4 mm total travel, and a manufacturer rating of At least 60 million keystrokes.
Three focused profiles from published switch specifications. No overall score is generated because feel and use case are personal.
Measures actuation, travel, and force. Shorter, lighter movement favors speed. Advanced input features add capability.
Measures bump or click intensity. It uses feel type and tactile-force rise. Higher scores mean stronger feedback.
Measures published lifespan evidence. It uses documented construction details. It does not predict real-world reliability.
Gateron Oil King
Gateron
Gateron
Oil King
All Black
January 2022
Available
Mechanical
Linear
MX
PCB Mount
55 ± 5 gf
65 gf
2 ± 0.6 mm
4 ± 0.2 mm
1.80 mm
No
No
No
No
Linear
MX Cross
No
Medium
Thocky
PA66
Macromolecule material
POM
Single-stage
20.00 mm
65 gf
Opaque
Automated factory wet lubrication on rails, stem, and spring
No
Yes
At least 60 M cycles
5
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Gold-plated alloy
Editor's Note: The standard-setter for factory-lubed linears, the Oil King fuses a PA66 nylon upper housing, a custom black Ink bottom casing, and an elongated 20 mm black spring. Actuation feels exceptionally buttery with minimal scratch or stem wobble. The acoustic profile is a rich, bass-heavy baritone thock that easily outclasses typical stock mechanical switches, cementing its position as an enthusiast benchmark.
A three-axis view of compatible-keyboard input capability, tactile profile, and published durability evidence. Missing evidence remains unavailable rather than being scored as zero.
Gaming capability, tactile intensity, and build durability (0 to 100)
Explore switches with similar technology, feel, form factor, operating force, and travel.
The Gateron Oil King is a Mechanical switch from Gateron with a Linear feel, so its keypress character is primarily defined by that mechanism and feedback style.
The Gateron Oil King has an operating force of 55 gf. That sits in the common middle range for everyday typing and gaming.
The Gateron Oil King has a pre-travel of 2.00 mm. Shorter actuation distances usually feel quicker because the key registers earlier in the press.
The Gateron Oil King has a total travel distance of 4.00 mm. Total travel describes the full stroke from rest to bottom-out.
The Gateron Oil King is listed as 5-pin, MX keycap compatibility is yes, and hot-swap compatibility is yes. Always match the switch pins and keyboard PCB/socket before buying.
Yes. The Gateron Oil King is listed as factory lubed. Factory lubrication can affect out-of-box smoothness and sound, but its effect can vary with the keyboard build and keycaps.
Available sound-related specs for the Gateron Oil King include sound profile: Thocky, sound level: Medium. Case, plate, keycaps, and desk mat can still change the final keyboard sound.
The Gateron Oil King is rated for At least 60 M cycles. Lifespan ratings are lab-cycle estimates, so real-world durability can also depend on build quality and usage.
The Gateron Oil King lists top housing: PA66, bottom housing: Macromolecule material, stem: POM, contact: Gold-plated alloy. These parts influence feel, sound, wobble, and long-term switch consistency.
Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.
