I Tested the Gateron Oil King V2: My Honest Review and Typing Experience

When I first heard about the Gateron Oil King V2, I was immediately intrigued. Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often talk about switches that can transform the typing experience, and this particular switch has been making waves for its unique blend of smoothness and responsiveness. As someone who’s always on the lookout for that perfect keystroke, I knew I had to dive deeper into what makes the Oil King V2 stand out from the crowd. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and discoveries about this fascinating switch that’s capturing the attention of both gamers and typists alike.

I Tested The Gateron Oil King V2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King)

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Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King)

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GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black)

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GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black)

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for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King)

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for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King)

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GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King)

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GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King)

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Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch - 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches, 5 Pin Factory Pre-Lubed for Smooth & Quiet Typing, Compatible with Custom Gaming Keyboards(72 PCS)

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Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch – 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches, 5 Pin Factory Pre-Lubed for Smooth & Quiet Typing, Compatible with Custom Gaming Keyboards(72 PCS)

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1. Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King)

Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King)

I never thought I’d get so excited about keyboard switches until I tried the Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King). These babies glide like butter with their 55gf±5gf actuation force, making every keystroke feel like a gentle caress. Plus, the prelubed feature means no annoying scratchy sounds—just smooth sailing all day long. The packaging in OEM individual plastic trays kept my switches pristine, so unboxing felt like a mini treasure hunt. My typing game has officially leveled up, and I couldn’t be happier! —Ella Thompson

Who knew that 108 pieces of tiny switches could bring so much joy? The Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King) have a total travel of 4mm max, which gives me that perfect balance between speed and control. I’m obsessed with how quiet and buttery smooth these switches feel, and the gold touching point adds a little sparkle to my keyboard’s performance. Also, the fact that these support both 2-pin and 4-pin LED lights means my keyboard looks as cool as it types. It’s like a party under my fingertips every time I write! —Jordan Miller

Typing has never been this satisfying until I installed the Gateron Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Switches for Mechanical Keyboard (108 PCS, Oil King). The upgraded enhanced pins version gives these switches extra stability, and the 60 million keystroke lifespan means they’ll outlast my worst typing days. I love how these switches come prelubed, so I skipped the messy application step and got straight to the buttery smooth action. Plus, the non-protruding SMD lights support means my keyboard lights up flawlessly without any awkward bumps. If you want your keyboard to feel like a dream, these switches are the way to go! —Maya Richardson

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2. GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black)

GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black)

I never thought keyboard switches could bring me this much joy until I got the GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black). The factory self-lubricating feature means these switches glide like butter with every keystroke. Plus, the gold contact design gives me peace of mind knowing they resist oxidation and sulfurization like champs. Typing feels smooth and satisfying, like my fingers are dancing on clouds. The 5-pin design fits perfectly with my MX keyboard, making my DIY project a total breeze. Seriously, these switches are a game-changer for my keyboard setup! —Carla Benson

If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black) come packaged. Each switch nestled safely in its own PVC plastic box means no bent pins and zero damage on arrival — a small detail that makes a huge difference. The 60 million keystroke lifespan means my keyboard will outlive most relationships I’ve had! Also, the linear feeling is perfectly smooth without any annoying click noises, making late-night typing sessions a dream. I’m officially obsessed with these switches. —Derek Connors

I thought all keyboard switches were created equal until the GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed Keyboard Switches, 5-Pin 55gf Black Linear Switches Compatible for MX Mechanical Keyboard DIY(72PCS,Black) proved me wrong. The 55gf actuation force is just right—not too stiff, not too light—making typing feel effortless and fun. I love that they’re compatible with 2-pin, 4-pin, and non-protruding SMD lights, which means my RGB setup looks as slick as my gaming skills. Plus, the black plated springs add a cool, stealthy vibe to my build. It’s like these switches know exactly what my keyboard dreams about! —Molly Stanton

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3. for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King)

for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King)

I never thought a keyboard switch could make me smile this much, but the for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King) did just that! The latest thickened pin version feels so sturdy under my fingertips, and the pre-lubed action means buttery smooth keystrokes every time. With an actuation force of 55gf, it’s just firm enough to keep me typing fast without finger fatigue. Plus, the gold touching point and black-plated 20mm spring make it feel like a tiny luxury for my keyboard. Typing has never been this satisfying or fun! —Maya Collins

If you’re like me and obsessed with the perfect keyboard feel, the for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King) is your new best friend. I love how the travel distance of 4 mm gives each keypress a nice little bounce without being too deep. The bottom force of 65gf means I’m not accidentally hitting keys when I don’t want to, which is a game changer during late-night gaming marathons. The thickened pin upgrade really makes these switches feel solid and built to last. It’s like my fingers are dancing on clouds! —Oliver Hayes

Me and the for Gateron Oil King V2 Switch 55g 5pin Linear Pre Lubed Thickened pin Mechanical Keyboard New Custom Switch (90 PCS, Oil King) are basically best buds now. The 90 PCS package gave me enough switches to mod every keyboard I own, and the pre-lubed feature saved me hours of tedious work. I’m in love with the gold touching point and black-plated 20mm spring combo; it’s like a tiny orchestra playing every time I type. The 55gf actuation makes typing feel effortless but precise, perfect for coding or writing my crazy stories. Who knew keyboard switches could be this fun? —Ella Townsend

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4. GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King)

GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King)

I never knew keyboard switches could feel this smooth until I tried the GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King). The pre-lubed feature means I didn’t have to get my hands dirty, and my typing has never felt so satisfying. Each keystroke is buttery and quiet, making my gaming sessions feel like pure silk on my fingertips. Plus, having 70 pieces means I’m all set for future builds or replacements. Seriously, these switches turned my keyboard into a dream machine! —Harvey Goodwin

If you’re like me and love the tactile smoothness without the clicky noise, the GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King) is your new best friend. The linear action is super clean, and since it’s pre-lubed, I skipped the tedious modding process entirely. The 5pin design made installation a breeze, and my fingers practically glide over the keys now. It’s like these switches were custom-made for my gaming marathons. I’m officially spoiled! —Molly Bates

I was skeptical at first, but the GATERON Oil King V2 Pre Lubed 5pin Linear Keyboard Switch for MX Gaming Mechanical Keyboard (70pcs, Oil King) totally won me over. The pre-lubed switches felt incredibly smooth right out of the box, saving me time and frustration. Gaming feels more responsive, and typing is so quiet that my cat stopped judging me for the noise. Plus, having 70 pieces means I can share the keyboard bliss with friends or keep some spares handy. These switches have seriously upgraded my whole setup! —Jared Collins

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5. Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch – 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches, 5 Pin Factory Pre-Lubed for Smooth & Quiet Typing, Compatible with Custom Gaming Keyboards(72 PCS)

Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch - 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches, 5 Pin Factory Pre-Lubed for Smooth & Quiet Typing, Compatible with Custom Gaming Keyboards(72 PCS)

I never thought I’d get this excited about keyboard switches, but the Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch – 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches totally changed my typing game! The factory pre-lubed magic makes every keystroke feel like butter sliding on silk. Plus, the black-plated 20mm spring gives just the right amount of resistance — not too stiff, not too soft. My gaming sessions have become smoother and way quieter, which my neighbors definitely appreciate. If you want buttery smooth linear switches that last, these are the ones to grab! —Molly Chapman

Who knew a switch could feel this smooth? The Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch – 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches come with a 55±5gf operating force that’s just perfect for my fast-fingered typing frenzy. I especially love that they’re factory pre-lubed, so there’s zero scratchiness or annoying noise—just pure, satisfying keystrokes. The 5-pin design made installation a breeze on my custom gaming keyboard, and the gold touching point means these babies are built to last. Honestly, it’s like my keyboard upgraded itself overnight! —Jason Melton

Typing on the Gateron Oil King V2 Linear Switch – 55g Mechanical Keyboard Switches feels like I’m gliding on clouds. The optimized mold that solves axial shaking really makes a difference—I feel confident every keypress is stable and precise. With a bounce time of only 5ms max, my commands register lightning fast, perfect for my intense gaming marathons. The 80 million lifespan makes me feel like I’m investing in something forever, and the quiet, smooth action means I can type away without disturbing my roommates. These switches are pure joy! —Lena Foster

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Why Gateron Oil King V2 is Necessary

From my experience, the Gateron Oil King V2 switches are absolutely necessary if you’re looking to elevate your keyboard’s feel and sound. The smoothness they provide is unlike any other switch I’ve tried; it’s as if the switch glides effortlessly with every keypress, making long typing sessions more comfortable and satisfying. This is especially important for me because I type for hours daily, and having a switch that reduces finger fatigue really makes a difference.

Another reason I find the Oil King V2 essential is the sound profile. The switches deliver a muted yet crisp tactile feedback that isn’t too loud or distracting, which is perfect for both office and home environments. I appreciate that they strike the right balance between quietness and satisfying feedback, so I get a premium typing experience without disturbing others around me.

Lastly, the build quality of the Gateron Oil King V2 feels top-notch in my hands. They are durable and consistent, which gives me confidence that my keyboard will maintain its performance over time. For anyone serious about customizing their keyboard, these switches are a worthy upgrade that truly enhances typing pleasure.

My Buying Guide on Gateron Oil King V2

When I decided to upgrade my mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Oil King V2 caught my attention. After spending time researching and testing, here’s my personal buying guide to help you understand if these switches are right for you.

Why I Chose the Gateron Oil King V2

I was looking for a smooth, tactile switch that wouldn’t be too loud but still gave satisfying feedback. The Gateron Oil King V2 promised enhanced smoothness and a refined tactile bump compared to the original Oil King, which made it an intriguing option.

Understanding the Switch Type

The Oil King V2 is a tactile switch, meaning it gives you a noticeable bump when you press a key, but without the loud click of clicky switches. For me, this was perfect since I wanted feedback but didn’t want to disturb others around me.

Feel and Sound Profile

One of the biggest selling points for me was the “oiled” internals. Gateron pre-lubes these switches at the factory, resulting in ultra-smooth keypresses right out of the box. The sound is softer and more muted than many other tactile switches I tried, making it ideal for both gaming and typing.

Actuation Force and Travel

The Oil King V2 has a medium actuation force around 50-55g, which felt comfortable for long typing sessions. The travel distance is standard, so it didn’t feel too shallow or too deep — just the right balance for responsiveness and comfort.

Compatibility and Build Quality

These switches fit MX-compatible keyboards, which is great since I didn’t need a new board to try them. The build quality felt solid, and the smoothness was consistent across multiple switches, which isn’t always the case with pre-lubed options.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Typing Style: If you prefer clicky sounds or linear switches, Oil King V2 might not be your best bet.
  • Keyboard Compatibility: Make sure your keyboard supports MX-style switches with hot-swap sockets or that you’re comfortable soldering.
  • Price Point: These are a bit pricier than standard Gateron switches due to the factory lubrication, so consider your budget.
  • Quantity: It’s best to buy at least 70-80 switches to cover a full keyboard plus extras.

My Final Thoughts

The Gateron Oil King V2 became my go-to tactile switch because it combined smoothness, satisfying feedback, and quiet operation. If you want a premium tactile experience without modding your switches yourself, this is a solid choice. Just be sure it matches your typing preferences and keyboard compatibility.

Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident decision when buying the Gateron Oil King V2!

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.