Gateron Glory Red vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to the feel and feedback that each switch provides. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its lightweight linear design, delivers a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a quiet typing experience without the interruption of a tactile bump. This switch is ideal for users who favor rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes, such as gamers or typists seeking efficiency. Conversely, the Durock Koala stands out as a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its stepped tactility provides a distinct bump during the keystroke, offering a more engaging feedback without overwhelming the user, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a slight tactile response while typing or gaming. While both switches offer unique benefits—one focusing on smoothness and speed, the other on tactile feedback—it's essential to consider your specific preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and Durock Koala mechanical switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their housing materials, particularly for their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound. In contrast, the Koala is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. The noticeable differences in material properties directly influence the overall auditory experience while typing, with the nylon showcasing richness and warmth, whereas polycarbonate presents crisp clarity.
Analyzing the bottom housings reveals a key similarity between the two switches, as both the Glory Red and Koala utilize nylon for their lower housings. This choice of material creates deeper tones in the sound profile, ensuring that both switches produce a fuller auditory experience when bottoming out. The use of nylon results in comparable tactile feedback when pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, despite differing top housing materials, the sound production when typing on both switches shares a significant similarity attributable to the nylon bottom, which ensures that the experience of bottoming out remains consistent.
In terms of overall auditory output, the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Red and Durock Koala switches differ due to their individual top housing materials but maintain some level of similarity through their nylon bottom housings. As a result, while users may perceive differences in sound characteristics when the switches are utilized, the experience is somewhat unified by the qualities brought forth by the lower housing. When configuring a keyboard for optimal sound, users can effectively mix and match switches to achieve desired results by leveraging the nylon bottom housing's qualities for a uniform feel, while still enjoying the distinct auditory profile provided by the unique top materials of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch with the Durock Koala tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which designates it as a relatively lightweight switch, ideal for users who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its performance during heavy keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Koala’s bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a heavier feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. The actuation force of the Koala is also unknown, so we can't directly compare that metric. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter switch based on its known actuation force, while the Durock Koala presents a heavier option with its defined bottom out force. For users seeking a specific experience, choosing between these switches will largely depend on their personal preference for weight and feedback in their typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch exhibit a notable difference in their travel distances, with the Glory Red measuring 3.6 mm and the Koala at 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter travel option, appealing to gamers and users who favor quicker, more responsive key press actions. In contrast, the Koala with its longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which might be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper key press and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on individual preferences: if you seek a swift response, the Glory Red is advantageous due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Koala caters to those who favor the comforting depth of a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is known for its smooth operation, which typically results in a quieter typing experience compared to tactile or clicky switches. Its sound profile is more muted and less intrusive, making it suitable for both office environments and home use. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch has a sound that is characterized as low-pitched and neutral. This means that while it might produce a subtle resonance when pressed, it maintains a moderate sound level that won't disrupt those nearby, appealing especially to users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without the excess noise.
When considering feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a seamless and fluid keystroke that prioritizes smoothness over tactile feedback. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a consistent pressing experience along the entire stroke. Conversely, the Durock Koala is designed with a polished and refined finish, which provides a splendidly smooth typing experience while also featuring a stepped tactile bump. This tactile feedback is described as medium, allowing for a pronounced but not overly aggressive response, making it suitable for users who enjoy an engaging keystroke that is firm yet not exhausting. Additionally, the Koala's stiff nature requires a bit more force to actuate, providing a sensation of control during typing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red excels in delivering a soft and quiet linear experience, the Durock Koala offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback and smooth operation. Those who appreciate a simple and smooth keystroke will find the Glory Reds appealing. In contrast, users looking for a bit of tactile engagement without overwhelming resistance may prefer the Koala’s stepped tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel; both switches can provide satisfying and responsive typing experiences tailored to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, effortless keystroke that promotes speed and fluidity, the Glory Red is the optimal choice, particularly for gaming or rapid typing tasks where you want to minimize finger fatigue. With its lighter touch, it caters well to users seeking an efficient and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile sensation that provides feedback without being overly pronounced, the Durock Koala may be your best bet. Its medium-heavy actuation force and stepped tactility offer a satisfying bump that enhances typing accuracy, making it suitable for both typing and more deliberate tasks, such as programming or writing. The Koala also produces a low-pitched sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience without excessive noise. Therefore, carefully consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches, as they each cater to different aspects of your keyboard experience.
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