Gateron Oil King Purple Silent Tactile Switches

The Gateron Oil King Purple Silent Tactile switch is designed for users who want tactile feedback with reduced noise. It suits office environments or shared spaces where quieter typing is preferred without sacrificing the tactile bump. The switch balances moderate actuation force with a smooth, muted feel, making it a viable option for both typing and general use.

Feel & Sound

• Provides a tactile bump that signals key activation without a click sound.
• Mute rings on the stem rails reduce noise on both key press and release, lowering bottom-out and top-out clack.
• Overall sound profile is quiet, suitable for noise-sensitive settings.

Actuation Characteristics

• Moderate actuation force around 55g with some variance, offering a balance between resistance and ease of press.
• Pre-travel distance is short, allowing for quick key response.
• Total travel is slightly longer than some switches, which may affect typing speed for users preferring shorter travel.

Build Quality

• Uses nylon top housing and ink bottom housing, materials that contribute to durability and sound dampening.
• Stem made of POM, a low-friction plastic that supports smooth keypresses.
• Black-plated spring provides consistent force and longevity.
• Switches come factory lubed, reducing initial scratchiness and improving smoothness.

Compatibility & Mounting

• 5-pin PCB mount MX-style design fits most standard mechanical keyboard PCBs.
• Unknown LED compatibility and hot-swap friendliness.

Trade-offs

• Actuation force variance (±15g) may lead to inconsistent feel across switches.
• Longer total travel may not suit users seeking very fast or low-travel switches.
• Unknown how well the switch responds to further modifications like additional lubing or filming.