In short, while Gateron Oil Kings are already relatively tight switches known for their minimal wobble, adding films is generally recommended to further enhance the typing experience. The small additional investment yields noticeable improvements in sound profile and reduces stem wobble to near zero, making for a more premium feel.
Understanding Gateron Oil Kings
The Gateron Oil King is a popular linear switch revered for its smooth, almost silent operation. They are pre-lubed from the factory, offering a noticeably better feel than many other stock switches. But, like all mechanical keyboard switches, they are not perfect.
What Makes Oil Kings Unique?
Gateron Oil Kings distinguish themselves through several key features:
- Material Composition: Often incorporating nylon blends, their materials contribute to a unique sound signature and feel.
- Factory Lubrication: A hallmark of the switch, significantly reducing friction and creating a smoother typing experience right out of the box. This pre-lubrication eliminates the need for immediate manual lubrication for many users.
- Tight Tolerances: While not perfectly wobble-free, Gateron Oil Kings are known for having tighter tolerances than many other budget-friendly switches.
Why Consider Switch Films?
Despite their inherent qualities, slight stem wobble can still be present. Switch films address this issue by filling the microscopic gaps between the switch housing halves.
The Case for Switch Films with Oil Kings
Adding switch films to Gateron Oil Kings brings several potential advantages:
- Reduced Stem Wobble: The primary benefit. Films minimize unwanted movement of the stem, leading to a more solid and consistent keypress. This translates to a cleaner, more precise feel under your fingers.
- Improved Sound Profile: By tightening the switch housing, films can reduce unwanted rattle and produce a deeper, more consistent sound. This is a subjective benefit but is often cited by keyboard enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Typing Feel: The combination of reduced wobble and refined sound contributes to a more premium and satisfying typing experience. This can improve typing accuracy and reduce fatigue during long typing sessions.
- Perceived Durability: While not a significant factor, some users believe that tighter housings offer a slightly longer lifespan for the switch.
The Case Against Switch Films with Oil Kings
While the benefits are compelling, there are also some reasons not to film your Oil Kings:
- Diminishing Returns: Oil Kings are already pretty good. The improvement films offer might be subtle, particularly for new users or those less sensitive to subtle nuances in keyboard feel.
- Time and Effort: Applying films requires time and patience. It’s a manual process that adds extra steps to the switch installation.
- Cost: Switch films, while inexpensive, are an additional cost to factor in. This can add up, especially when building a full-sized keyboard.
- Risk of Damage (Rare): Inexperienced users may damage switches or films during installation, although this is uncommon with careful handling.
- Potential for Over-Tightening: If films are too thick or installed incorrectly, they can make the switch too tight, impacting smoothness.
Making the Decision: Are Films Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add switch films to your Gateron Oil Kings depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
- Consider your sensitivity to stem wobble: If you are particularly sensitive to even slight movement, films are likely worthwhile.
- Think about your desired sound profile: If you are aiming for a deeper, more muted sound, films can help.
- Evaluate your budget and time: Factor in the cost of the films and the time it will take to install them.
- Experiment: If possible, try a few filmed and unfilmed Oil Kings to compare the difference yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about using switch films with Gateron Oil Kings:
FAQ 1: What are switch films made of?
Switch films are typically made of polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each material offers slightly different properties in terms of stiffness and sound dampening.
FAQ 2: What thickness of switch film should I use with Oil Kings?
0.15mm films are generally recommended for Gateron Oil Kings. Thicker films (e.g., 0.3mm) may make the switch too tight and affect smoothness.
FAQ 3: How do I install switch films?
- Carefully open the switch using a switch opener.
- Place the film on the bottom housing, ensuring it aligns properly with the pins.
- Reassemble the switch, making sure the film stays in place.
There are many online videos demonstrating this process.
FAQ 4: Do I need a special tool to install switch films?
While not essential, a switch opener makes the process much easier and reduces the risk of damaging the switch housing.
FAQ 5: Can switch films damage my keyboard?
No, switch films themselves are unlikely to damage your keyboard. However, improper installation could potentially damage the switches.
FAQ 6: Will films void the warranty on my keyboard?
Generally, no. Adding switch films to your switches typically will not void the warranty on your keyboard, as long as you don’t damage the keyboard itself in the process. However, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer to be certain.
FAQ 7: Are all switch films the same?
No. Switch films vary in material, thickness, and design. Some films are specifically designed for certain switch types.
FAQ 8: Where can I buy switch films for Gateron Oil Kings?
Switch films are widely available online from vendors specializing in mechanical keyboard components. Common retailers include Amazon, KBDfans, and NovelKeys.
FAQ 9: Do I need to lubricate the switches after adding films?
Not necessarily. Gateron Oil Kings are pre-lubed. However, some users may choose to add further lubrication for an even smoother feel.
FAQ 10: What is the expected lifespan of a switch film?
Switch films are designed to last the lifespan of the switch. They do not typically wear out or need to be replaced.
FAQ 11: Can I reuse switch films if I remove them?
It’s not recommended. Removing switch films can damage them. It’s best to use new films each time you open a switch.
FAQ 12: Is there a significant difference between different brands of switch films?
There can be subtle differences between brands, primarily in material and adhesion. However, the primary focus should be on choosing the correct thickness and material type for your switch. Reading reviews and comparing specifications can help you make an informed decision.