Gateron Aliaz vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, thanks to their silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Koalas strike a balance between tactile feedback and noise level, with a stepped tactility that offers a pronounced bump without being too loud. While the Aliaz is described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Koala is characterized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Koala, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. In contrast, the Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both the Aliaz and Koala switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in the material used for the bottom housing. The Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Koala's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, due to nylon's softer nature and sound absorption capabilities. This contrast in bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the Aliaz focusing more on clarity and resonance, while the Koala emphasizes a rounder and deeper sound profile.
In terms of feel when typing on the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall experience. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Koala's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Durock Koala will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, with the Aliaz offering a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Koala provides a deeper and fuller typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Koala, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams while the Koala requires 67 grams, making the Aliaz heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Koala, as it has a lower bottom out force. In contrast, the Aliaz would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile typing feel, but the difference in weight may affect how users perceive the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, it is clear that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Aliaz or the Koala switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance. In conclusion, both switches provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with their equal travel distances of 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. Both switches are great options for users looking for a quieter typing experience, with the Aliaz offering a more muted sound and the Koala providing a slightly more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, both the Aliaz and Koala switches offer a polished typing experience, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction. The Aliaz switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, while the Koala switch is also polished and offers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Koala switch is noted for its stepped tactile feel, providing a two-stage bump sensation without being overly stiff. Overall, both switches offer a refined typing experience with a distinct tactile feedback for users who enjoy a responsive keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and Durock Koala switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Aliaz switch is ideal for those who value a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, while the Koala switch strikes a balance between tactile feedback and resonance without being overly loud. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, but both switches offer a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz and Durock Koala tactile switches, consider the environment you'll be using them in and your preference for typing feel and sound. If you work in a quiet office setting and enjoy a smoother typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Aliaz switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced bump in your keystrokes without being too loud and enjoy a tactile switch with a variety of characteristics such as stepped tactility and slight stiffness, the Durock Koala switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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