The Kailh Xuan and Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature standard stem shape, 60 g , 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (LCP vs PA66 Nylon), bottom housing (LCP vs Ink), stem material (MF (melamine formaldehyde) vs POM), spring (21.5/18 mm single-stage extended KOS vs 20 mm dual-stage black-plated), actuation (45 g vs 50 g), bottom-out force (58 g vs 65 g), (0.20 mm vs 0.50 mm), total travel (3.60 mm vs 3.20 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Kailh Xuan is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with LCP top housing, LCP bottom housing, and MF (melamine formaldehyde) stem (standard shape). It features a 21.5/18 mm single-stage extended KOS spring. The tactile bump is 60g at 0.20mm. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 58g bottom-out occurs at 3.60mm. Extra: Light diffuser. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by Yigiix. Manufactured by Kailh. | The Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon top housing, Ink bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm dual-stage black-plated spring. The tactile bump is 60g at 0.50mm. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 65g bottom-out occurs at 3.20mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | Kailh Xuan | Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | LCP | PA66 Nylon |
| Bottom housing | LCP | Ink |
| Stem material | MF (melamine formaldehyde) | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 21.5/18 mm single-stage extended KOS | 20 mm dual-stage black-plated |
| Tactile force | 60 g | 60 g |
| Actuation | 45 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 58 g | 65 g |
| Tactile bump position | 0.20 mm | 0.50 mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.60 mm | 3.20 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Stem legs and stem sliders are covered with a very thin coat of 205g0. The spring and leaf are lubed with dry film. Everything else is dry. There is no lube in the bottom housing or anywhere near the stem pole. The chance that these get lube pooling issue is very small. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | Yigiix | - |
| Manufacturer | Kailh | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Kailh Xuan is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Kailh Xuan and Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Kailh Xuan force curve | Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile force curve |
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Kailh Xuan sound test | Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile sound test |
Comments on Kailh Xuan switches | Comments on Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile switches |
The Kailh Xuan tactile switch is a light tactile switch designed for enthusiasts who enjoy a clean, clacky, and satisfying typing experience. As the tactile counterpart to the popular Calligraphy linear switch, the Xuan combines a comfortable tactile bump with a lively sound profile that feels responsive and enjoyable for daily typing. The Kailh Xuan uses a premium material combination to achieve its signature sound and feel. MF stem: Produces a crisp and clean clacky sound with a smooth keypress. LCP housing: Enhances overall sound clarity and creates a refined acoustic profile. Light tactile bump: Comfortable and responsive without feeling overly aggressive. Together, these materials create a balanced typing experience with a pleasant clacky character and subtle scratchiness that many enthusiasts enjoy. Like the Calligraphy switches, the Xuan tactile switch features a slight natural scratch that adds character to the typing feel without negatively affecting overall smoothness, making it especially appealing for users who enjoy a more textured typing experience. Perfect for custom mechanical keyboard builds, the Kailh Xuan tactile switch delivers light tactility, clean acoustics, and a uniquely satisfying clacky feel – Unikeys. | Following the massive success of the original Oil King series, Gateron has finally expanded the lineup with the highly anticipated Oil King Heavy Tactile switch. The Oil King Heavy Tactile delivers a pronounced tactile bump paired with a firm and satisfying bottom-out. The heavier spring weight provides a substantial keypress feel, while the signature Oil King housing materials produce a deep, full-bodied sound profile that is both rich and refined – LumeKeebs. Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile switches are switches from Gateron's Oil King Series. Switches part of this series take the same housing and stem materials that made the Oil King popular and puts them into different switch types. These Oil King Heavy Tactile switches have a 60g tactile bump that begins at the top of the keypress and evens out to a linear a little over halfway down the total travel. Sound profile: Surprisingly deep for a tactile switch that has a rich and resonant tone – Divinikey. The heavy tactile variant of the popular Oil King line – with the same Nylon PA66 top and signature Ink bottom housing that give the classic Oil King its deep, full-bodied sound. At around 65gf bottom-out and with a distinctly pronounced heavy bump, the Yellow delivers a powerful, very defined typing feel – every keystroke feels deliberate and unmistakable. Sound-wise, the switch stays pleasantly deep and substantial without ever turning shrill. A strong pick for anyone who loves heavy tactiles with that signature Oil King sound – MonacoKeys. |
