Gateron CAP vs Gateron Oil King
The Gateron CAP and the Gateron Oil King are often cross-shopped. The main differences: the Gateron CAP is lighter to actuate (50g versus 55g); stock they sound different: smooth cap linear versus deep, oily thock; the Gateron CAP costs less per switch ($0.55 versus $0.60).
- Cheaper per switchGateron CAP$0.55 versus $0.60
Choose the Gateron CAP if
- you want a switch popular for smooth Gateron linears.
- you want a lighter keystroke (50g).
- you want to spend less per switch.
Choose the Gateron Oil King if
- you want a switch popular for thocky builds.
- you want a switch popular for stock-ready linears.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (55g).
Gateron CAP vs Gateron Oil King, spec by spec
| Gateron CAP | Gateron Oil King | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Compatibility | Standard MX sockets | Standard MX sockets |
| Actuation force | 50g | 55g |
| Bottom-out force | n/a | 65g |
| Pre-travel | n/a | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Stem | n/a | POM |
| Top housing | POM/PC mix | black nylon |
| Bottom housing | nylon | black INK blend |
| Spring | n/a | single-stage |
| Factory lube | factory lubed | full |
| Pins | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Price / switch | $0.55 (stronger spec) | $0.60 |
| Sound profile | smooth CAP linear | deep, oily thock |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
52% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron CAP; 70% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron Oil King.
57% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron CAP; 57% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron Oil King.
70% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron CAP; 83% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron Oil King.
Where to buy the Gateron CAP
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the Gateron Oil King
KeebScout is reader-supported: some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes specs or rankings.
Want more options? Browse every linear switch we track, or the full switch database.