Outemu Crystal vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Koala offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Crystal is a linear switch known for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a smooth and consistent typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between providing a satisfying bump without overwhelming the keystroke, offering a pronounced tactile feedback and slight resonance. While the Crystal is ideal for those seeking a linear typing experience, the Koala appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Koala utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same sound profile as the top housing, whereas the Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to polycarbonate.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Koala impacts the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the sharp and crisp sound characteristics of the top housing, the Koala's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound quality to the switch. This variation in housing materials demonstrates how different plastics can affect the typing feel and sound output of mechanical switches. It also highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing materials when customizing a keyboard for a specific sound and feel preference.
In summary, the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a similar sharp and clear sound profile. However, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains this sound profile, while the Koala's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The choice of housing material for both the top and bottom sections of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with each material offering unique sound characteristics. Whether looking for a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and Durock Koala cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch. The Crystal requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it medium-light in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Koala has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Crystal switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Koala switch for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, their travel distances are the same, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and actuation from both switches despite their differences in operation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch is best described as having a chirpy and high-pitched profile, offering a unique typing experience with a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various preferences. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Crystal being more lively and the Koala offering a smoother, more subdued sound.
In terms of feel, both the Crystal and Koala switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Koala switch is also noted for being accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, and a higher amount of force required to actuate or bottom-out. The Crystal switch, while not specified in these particular qualities, is known for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, adding to the uniqueness of the linear typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a chirpy and high-pitched sound with a polished and elastic feel, creating a more lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel, providing a smoother typing experience with a medium level of tactility. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both these switches offer quality options that can enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother, linear typing experience with a lighter touch and neutral sound profile, you may want to consider the Outemu Crystal linear switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump but not too heavy, along with a bit of resonance and a low-pitched sound profile, the Durock Koala tactile switches may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style the best.
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