What Is The Best Gateron Linear Switch?

Linear switches are the best way to ensure a smooth typing experience. If you are an avid gamer or dislike the thunk of a more tactile keyboard, a Gateron linear switch is a great option for your needs. Linear switches are those that focus on minimal feedback when typing and lend themselves well to high-speed gaming. Users report a thock sound rather than the clacking associated with more clicky keyboards. This thock sound is often less abrasive and more subtle than less smooth keyboards.

Gateron has almost twenty years of experience in creating mechanical switches and hardware parts. Over the years, it has released many successful linear switches, including Hippo linear switches, Gateron Oil Kings, and the Gateron Ink V2. But which is the best gateron linear switch? Kinetic Labs reviews three of the most popular Gateron linear switches to try to answer this question.

Hippo Linear Switches

The Hippo linear switch is the first linear switch by Gateron to be created using UHMWPE technology for the stem. This ultralightweight polymer creates the ultimate in smooth typing experiences. It offers excellent wear resistance and maintains structural integrity for a long time; in fact, it is so strong, flexible, and durable, that it is frequently used in human joint replacements.

These switches are unlubed, giving the user the chance to apply the best lubricant to suit their needs. They can also be used without lubricant due to the smooth properties of the longer stem. The qualities of the UHMWPE polymer significantly reduce pushback for the typer, while the nylon housing reduces the friction coefficient even further. The combination of innovative polymer and flexible housing creates one of the best typing experiences seen with a linear switch to date.

The linear switch also offers the authentic thock sound beloved by linear switch users, as well as a springy experience from the 63.5g stainless steel spring functionality. The pin is for five but can be adapted to three, and works with any PCB that works with Cherry-style switches.

Gateron Yellow Switches

Gateron Yellow linear switches come in several different materials and colors, with the two most popular options being the full-nylon (all black) housings and the milky yellow housings. Newer versions of the Gateron Yellow switch (the newer Pro versions come pre-lubed from the factory as well).

Gateron Yellow switches gained popularity in the community because they feel and sound great, even without any lube. They also feature a bouncy spring that has a forceful upstroke while typing. The milky housings on Gateron Milky Yellow switches give them a slightly deeper sound, although they are not as smooth as the all-black counter parts, so if you're optimizing for smoothness go with all-black.

One of the biggest selling points about Gateron Yellow switches is their price point. Compared to the other options in this list, yellows may not be the smoothest or best sounding, but when taking into account price they are a fantastic option.

Gateron Oil King Switches

The Gateron Oil Kings are a slick black affair with a top-housing of nylon and a bottom made of the Gateron Ink-proprietary material. The sleek design is matched by the 20mm long black spring with 80g spring weight, and this release by Gateron is the first to offer a top-housing and bottom material in this format.

The Gateron Oil King is not as smooth as the Hippo but offers a unique feeling of typing speed. As the spring is longer than traditional springs, the compression is greater, which leads you to feel like your typing is more responsive. The additional compression also leads to a slight clacking sound, although this is much quieter than previous Gateron models.

The Gateron Oil Kings range is also lubricated straight from the factory, which is minimal yet effective during use. The wobble in all directions is a significant improvement over previous releases from Gateron, with a minimal wobble that does not affect the use of the Gateron switch.

Gateron Ink V2 Switches

Like the Oil Kings release, the Gateron Ink V2 is another sleek black design, cased in a smoky transparent housing. The smoky transparent housing is available in several different colors in addition to black, including yellow, red, and blue.

The Gateron Ink-proprietary bottom adds to the smoothness, with a 70g spring weight that creates a stronger actuation force than the Hippo linear switch. The additional actuation force is as satisfying as the Gateron Oil Kings. The strong compression gives you a satisfying crunch sensation as you compress the keys.

The Gateron Ink V2 also gives a classy and satisfying thock sound that is very similar to the Hippo and differs slightly from the clack of the Oil Kings. There are some reports of an initial scratchy sound upon use which can be easily resolved with lubing. The wobble is very similar to other Gateron switches on the market at present.

Which Is The Best Gateron Linear Switch?

Each switch has its own strengths and weaknesses. Each Gateron switch has its own unique application, including some of the qualities listed below.

Smoothness Of Typing

The Hippo linear switch is easily the smoothest typing experience out of the three Gateron switches. The ultralightweight polymer technology allows for extremely low friction, making it a perfect linear switch for an avid gamer. The lightweight spring also reduces the feeling of pushback when typing.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Hippo linear switch is narrowly beaten by the Gateron Ink V2. The Gateron Ink V2 gives a low, classy thock sound that is very satisfying to the user. Although there are some reports of scratchiness after initial use, lubricant quickly resolves this issue.

Design

All of the Gateron switches offer an innovative and unique design. The Hippo comes in stylish lilac housing, while the Oil Kings offer an unbeatable jet black keyboard setup. The Gateron Ink V2 comes in four color options, with smoky housing that isn’t seen elsewhere. Each of the three Gateron linear switches comes with a design suitable for all users.

Responsiveness

Smoothness is not the only attribute you might be looking for in a typing experience. Gateron Oil Kings switches have the heaviest spring, which creates a satisfying feeling of responsiveness when you depress the keys.

At Kinetic Labs, We Can Find The Best Gateron Switches For You

At Kinetic Labs, we are experts in Gateron switches to suit your keyboard needs. Whether you need the right lube to enhance the smoothness of your typing, or keycaps to complete your keyboard, we’re here to help. We stock mechanical keyboard parts, desk mats, and storage options to suit your needs, whether you’re a writer or an avid gamer. Browse our range of products today to find keyboard enhancement options to match your typing requirements.