Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Durock Koala present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, a linear switch, is celebrated for its heavier feel and exceptionally smooth keystroke, delivering a satisfying typing experience with its well-calibrated travel distance. Ideal for those who prioritize fluidity and speed, it's particularly favored by gamers and typists who enjoy a consistency in their key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Koala, categorized as a tactile switch, strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and feedback, featuring a stepped tactility that provides a noticeable bump without overwhelming the user. Its low-pitched resonance makes it an equally attractive choice for anyone who enjoys a tactile sensation while typing, without the concern of noise distractions. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for feedback and sound; 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
50g
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
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and Durock Koala switches each utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This characteristic is especially valuable for users seeking a richer and more muted typing sound. In contrast, the Koala employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and less absorptive compared to nylon. As a result, the Koala generates a sharper and crisper sound profile that emphasizes clarity and resonance, making each keystroke feel more distinct. Therefore, the choice of top housing material directly influences the acoustic experience of each switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared construction means that when typing, the bottom housing—regardless of whether it’s with the Glory Yellow or the Koala—produces a similar deeper and fuller sound effect. The nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively, creating a smoother and rounder bottom-out sensation. In this way, despite the differences in the top housings, users can expect a consistent auditory experience from the bottom portion of both switches, which caters to those who appreciate a softer landing when typing.
Furthermore, the overall performance and sound characteristics of the switches can be understood in terms of how the top and bottom housings function together. The Glory Yellow's nylon top and bottom combine to deliver a unified acoustic experience rooted in deeper tones. Conversely, with the Koala's polycarbonate top, the unique sharpness introduced in the sound profile from the top housing can contrast with the deeper tones from the nylon bottom, creating a more complex auditory signature. Thus, while the Koala may provide a clearer and more resonant experience due to its top material, the bottom's nylon ensures that users still benefit from the advantages of softer sound dynamics. Ultimately, the blend of materials influences both the tactile feedback and audio clarity, appealing to diverse preferences among typists and gamers alike.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that can facilitate extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the actuation force of the Koala is unknown, though it does feature a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that while the Koala may provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down, its actuation force remains uncertain, potentially affecting its overall feel. With the known bottom out force of the Koala, we can conclude that it is heavier than the Glory Yellow in this regard, suggesting that users who prefer a heavier push might lean towards the Koala, while those favoring a lighter switch could opt for the Glory Yellow.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of each switch is identical. This equivalence means that users can expect similar keypress experiences in terms of depth, potentially leading to a comparable feel when typing or gaming. Since both switches share the same travel distance, enthusiasts may find that their performance in terms of how far the key travels when pressed is indistinguishable, allowing for a uniform typing experience across these two different switch types.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow is generally quiet, falling into the background as you type, making it an excellent choice for both office settings and casual use at home. In comparison, the Durock Koala offers a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a bass-heavy, mellow tone, which can be refreshing during extended typing sessions. The Koala's neutral quality adds versatility, allowing users to employ it in various environments without being intrusive. However, both switches may experience sound alterations based on the type of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors influencing acoustic performance, making it essential to consider the full setup for optimal results.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are known for their smooth, linear keystroke, providing an uninterrupted typing experience free from tactile feedback. This is ideal for users who prefer a seamless, rapid typing experience without distraction. On the other hand, the Durock Koala features a unique stepped design that offers a polished and refined feel, combining subtle tactile feedback with a medium tactile profile. The Koala's tactility isn't overwhelming, making it comfortable for various typing styles, while its slightly stiff nature requires more push to achieve actuation, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing.
Overall, both switches provide distinct experiences suited for different preferences. If you appreciate a smooth and linear typing feel with minimal sound disruption, the Gateron Glory Yellow would likely be your best bet. Conversely, if you're looking for a more tactile experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Durock Koala switches offer an excellent balance of tactile feedback and pleasant acoustics. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the smoothness of the Glory Yellow or the pronounced tactility of the Koala, you'll find that these switches cater to different typing styles, ensuring a satisfying experience in any case.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the best choice depends largely on your typing preferences and the experience you're looking for. If you favor a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter feel, the Glory Yellow is an excellent option. Its pleasant travel distance makes it great for fast-paced gaming or if you enjoy typing with minimal resistance, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Conversely, if you appreciate tactile feedback while typing or gaming, the Durock Koala is well-suited for you. With its pronounced yet moderate bump, it strikes a balance that feels satisfying without being too overwhelming, thereby enhancing your typing experience for extended periods. The Koala’s low-pitched sound profile and polished feel make it versatile for different environments, whether you're at home or in the office. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what type of feedback and sound profile you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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