Gateron Oil King Linear Switches – Deep, Smooth, Self-Lubricating with Ink V2 Housing | 5-Pin, Pack of 10

The Gateron Oil King is one of the most recognised linear switches in the mechanical keyboard hobby — a switch that built its reputation on a distinctly deep, smooth keystroke that stands apart from the lighter, brighter feel of most standard linears. Its identity is rooted in an automatic lubrication design: the POM stem works against the housing to distribute lubrication through the stroke, so the switch holds its smooth feel over time rather than relying solely on the factory grease applied at manufacture.

The character comes from the material combination — a nylon PA66 top housing paired with Gateron's Ink V2 bottom housing and a POM stem. The Ink V2 bottom is known for a deeper, more muted acoustic profile than standard housings — a controlled, low-pitched thud rather than a higher clack. The POM stem adds a naturally low-friction surface that complements the factory lube and reduces wobble, and Gateron upgraded the stem-to-upper-housing fit specifically for lateral stability, giving a keystroke that tracks cleanly with near-zero side play — immediately noticeable against looser-tolerance switches.

At 55gf actuation and 65gf bottom-out across a standard 2mm pre-travel and 4mm total travel, the Oil King sits in a mid-weight range that gives meaningful resistance without being stiff. The 20mm black-plated spring is longer than the typical 14–16mm spring in most linears, contributing a distinctive, progressive force curve — the build across the travel feels more gradual and deliberate, adding to the sense of a premium, controlled keystroke. Gold-plated contacts improve oxidation resistance across the switch's 80-million-click rated life, and reinforced three-layer pins are built to hold shape and connection quality through extended use and repeated hot-swap cycles.

The Oil King comes factory lubed to address spring ping and reduce friction from the first keypress, with plug-in SMD LED support for backlit builds (note: not compatible with SMD LEDs that protrude above the PCB surface). For builders who want a heavier, deeper linear with a self-lubricating design, genuine stability, and a well-earned community reputation, the Oil King remains a strong, time-tested choice.