Hand-Lubed Gateron Oil King Linear Switches
Best linear switch for enthusiasts seeking a premium, pre-lubed typing experience.
Elevate your mechanical keyboard with the Gateron Oil King Linear Switches. These highly anticipated switches offer a remarkably smooth linear typing experience straight out of the box, thanks to their factory lubrication. Crafted with a durable POM stem, a robust Nylon PA66 top housing, and a Black INK bottom housing, they deliver enhanced sound and feel. With a 55gf actuation force and a 5-pin PCB mount, these switches are an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a premium, pre-lubed linear experience for custom builds.
$10.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 6542
#29 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Switch Type
Linear
/ Linear
Who it's for
- Typists wanting a premium feel without manual modification
- Enthusiasts seeking a deep, satisfying acoustic profile
- Users prioritizing precision and a stable typing experience
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious builders looking for cost-effective components
- Modders who prefer applying their own custom lubrication
- Shoppers needing immediate availability for large-scale projects
Performance breakdown
Factory Lubrication
Expertly applied lube ensures a buttery smooth feel right out-of-the-box.
Acoustic Signature
The INK housing delivers a deep, satisfying thock with every keystroke.
Typing Consistency
Balanced actuation force provides a reliable and fatigue-free typing experience.
Build Durability
High-quality POM stems and robust housing materials ensure long-term performance.
Installation Versatility
Standard 5-pin MX design makes these compatible with most custom boards.
Gaming Responsiveness
Linear action offers the rapid, predictable feedback required for competitive gaming.
Key Specs
Switch Type
Linear
Stem Material
Black POM
Actuation Force
55±5gf
Bottom Force
65±5gf
Spring Length
20mm
Total Travel Distance
4.0mm
Top Housing Material
Black Nylon PA66
Bottom Housing Material
Black INK
Features
- Smooth linear action out of the box.
- Durable POM stem for longevity.
- Enhanced sound and feel with INK housing.
- Secure 5-pin PCB mounting.
- Balanced actuation force for typing and gaming.
- Premium pre-lubed experience.
- Designed for custom mechanical keyboards.
What customers say
Enthusiasts regard the Hand-Lubed Gateron Oil King Linear Switches as a top tier, ready to use option. The primary praise centers on the exceptional factory lubrication, which reviewers find rivals custom jobs, saving users significant effort. The sound profile is another major draw, consistently described as deep, rich, and satisfyingly thocky, enhancing the overall typing experience. Users appreciate the robust feel from the heavier spring and the consistency across the switches. While these command a premium, the consensus is that the superior out of box quality provides strong value. The Oil Kings are highly recommended for those seeking a smooth, high performance plug and play linear switch.
Know before you buy
No, these switches come pre-lubed from the factory. They are designed to provide a smooth, consistent typing experience right out of the box without requiring additional manual lubrication.
These are 5-pin switches. They are compatible with most hot-swappable keyboards, but if your PCB only supports 3-pin switches, you will need to clip the two extra plastic legs off the bottom of the switch housing.
The 55gf actuation force is considered a medium weight. It offers enough resistance to prevent accidental key presses while remaining light enough to minimize finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions.
These switches feature an opaque black housing, which will significantly block or diffuse any light coming from your keyboard's LEDs. They are not recommended if you rely on per-key RGB lighting for visibility.
The Black INK housing is renowned for its unique acoustic properties. It helps produce a deeper, more refined sound profile compared to standard nylon housings, contributing to the premium feel of the switch.
Yes, these switches feature a standard MX-style cross stem. They are compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket keycap sets that use an MX-style mount.
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$11