Gateron Oil King vs Gateron Yellow

Detailed comparison of gateron oil king vs gateron yellow. Which one should you buy?

Updated 2026-03-09 Independently reviewed
Gateron Oil King

Gateron Oil King

9.4/10
$0.75 /per-switch
VS
Gateron Yellow (Pro)

Gateron Yellow (Pro)

9.2/10
$0.45 /per-switch

Feature Comparison

Feature Gateron Oil King Gateron Yellow (Pro)
Actuation Force 55g 50g
Travel Distance 2.0mm 2.0mm
Total Travel 4.0mm 4.0mm
Type Linear Linear
Sound Level Quiet Quiet
Spring Heavy Progressive
Housing Nylon Nylon
Stem Material POM POM
Lubed Factory pre-lubed Factory pre-lubed
RGB Compatible Yes Yes

Gateron Oil King

Pros

  • Outstanding factory lube
  • Smooth as butter
  • No modding required
  • Premium feel
  • Consistent across batches
  • Great sound profile

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Heavier spring not for everyone

Gateron Yellow (Pro)

Pros

  • Exceptional value
  • Smooth factory lube
  • Satisfying weight
  • Great for gaming
  • Easy to mod
  • Consistent batch quality

Cons

  • Stock springs vary slightly
  • Less brand recognition than Cherry

Our Verdict

Gateron Oil King

The Oil King delivers endgame-level smoothness straight from the factory—no modding needed.

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Gateron Yellow (Pro)

Gateron Yellow Pro offers premium linear feel at budget pricing—our top pick for value-conscious builders.

20% Off — Limited Time, Check Now

Our Methodology

We test each switch for actuation feel, sound profile, and build quality. No manufacturer has editorial influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gateron Oil King vs Yellow Pro: Which is smoother?
The Gateron Oil King has the edge in smoothness thanks to its factory lube and more refined manufacturing. The heavier 55g spring also provides a more controlled, premium feel. The Yellow Pro is remarkably smooth for its price—about 85% as smooth as the Oil King—but may have a slight scratchiness on some units. If you want the smoothest possible experience without modding, choose the Oil King.
Which is better for gaming: Oil King or Yellow Pro?
For gaming, the Gateron Yellow Pro is often the better choice. Its lighter 50g spring allows faster key presses and less finger fatigue during extended sessions. The Oil King's 55g spring can feel slightly sluggish for rapid double-taps in competitive games. Both are excellent linear switches—choose Yellow Pro for speed and Oil King for a more substantial, controlled feel.
Is the Oil King worth the extra cost over Yellow Pro?
The Oil King costs roughly 65% more per switch than the Yellow Pro. For a full keyboard (70 switches), that's about $21 extra. If you value premium out-of-box feel and don't want to mod, the Oil King is worth it. If you're budget-conscious or enjoy modding (the Yellow Pro takes well to hand lubing), the Yellow Pro delivers exceptional value. Many users find the Yellow Pro 'good enough' after a light lube.
Can I use Oil King and Yellow Pro on the same keyboard?
Yes! Some builders use Oil Kings for the alphanumeric keys (where typing feel matters most) and Yellow Pros for modifiers and gaming keys to save cost. The weight difference (55g vs 50g) is subtle enough that it won't feel jarring. Both use the same housing and stem design, so they're fully compatible.

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