GATERON Oil King V2 55gf Black Linear Switches - Smooth, Long Life

In this review the GATERON Oil King V2 55gf black linear switches are examined for builders who want a smooth, consistent keystroke and long service life. The bottom line: these pre-lubed 5-pin switches deliver a refined, quiet linear feel and strong durability thanks to an original Oil King shaft and extended black plated spring. They are most compelling for mechanical keyboard DIY enthusiasts who value smoothness and sound quality in both typing and gaming, and for anyone who prefers switches that arrive factory lubricated and ready to install.

Key Features

• Original Oil King Shaft: Provides a consistent, factory-tuned smoothness that reduces the need for manual lubing before assembly.
• 55gf Actuation: Midweight actuation force balances typing accuracy and comfort for mixed use gaming and productivity.
• Extended Black Plated Spring: Rated for long life and resistance to corrosion so switches maintain feel over many cycles.
• Gold Contact Design: Factory gold contacts improve oxidation and sulfurization resistance for more reliable key registration.
• Wide Compatibility: 5-pin housing works with MX style PCB layouts and supports 2-pin, 4-pin, and non protruding SMD lights for flexible builds.
• PVC Tray Packaging: Individual compartments protect stems and pins during shipping and provide a reusable storage solution.

Who It's For

These switches are aimed at mechanical keyboard DIYers who want a ready-to-install linear with a smooth, factory-lubed feel straight out of the box. They suit both typists and gamers who prefer a midweight 55gf actuation and value consistent sound and feel across a full set of keys.

Builders who need hot-swap socket support should look elsewhere, since these switches are not intended for hot-swappable socketed keyboards. Also, if you prefer tactile or clicky feedback, these linear switches will not provide that characteristic bump or snap.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Notably smooth keystroke thanks to the original Oil King shaft and factory lubrication.
• Durable spring and gold contact design give long-term reliability and reduced oxidation risk.
• Good sound profile praised by users for a clean, restrained tone suited to shared workspaces.
• Secure PVC packaging keeps pins straight and parts organized for DIY builds.

Cons

• Not compatible with hot-swap socket keyboards, so soldering is required for installation.
• Linear design offers no tactile bump, which may not satisfy users seeking tactile feedback.

Specifications

Switch type	Linear 5-pin
Actuation force	55gf (5gf)
Total travel	4.0mm
Spring & life	Black plated spring, life rated ~60 million actuations
Contacts	Gold contact design for oxidation resistance
Compatibility	MX-style keyboards, supports 2-pin/4-pin and non protruding SMD lights
Packaging	PVC plastic tray with individual compartments (108pcs)

Our Verdict

The GATERON Oil King V2 55gf black linear switches are a strong value for builders who want consistently smooth, factory-lubed switches with durable springs and reliable contacts. They shine in full-keyboard DIY projects for typing and gaming where a quiet, refined linear feel is preferred, but they are not suitable for users requiring hot-swap installation or tactile feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these switches pre-lubed?
Yes, they come factory self-lubricating with the Oil King shaft for improved smoothness out of the box.

Can I use these in a hot-swap keyboard?
These switches are not designed for hot-swap sockets; soldering to a PCB is expected for reliable installation.

What sound profile do they have?
Users report a clean, restrained sound often described as smooth with good sound quality, suitable for shared spaces.