Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock Koala are two popular options worth considering. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch that offers a shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is ideal for those seeking a neutral and mild feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is a tactile switch that offers a stepped tactility, giving users a pronounced bump without it spanning the entire keystroke. With a low-pitched and accented sound profile, the Koala provides a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock Koala, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing produces a high-pitched, clacky sound, while the Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. While the Ink Yellow's bottom housing also contributes to its sound profile, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, the Ink Yellow's blend provides a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the Koala's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a more clear and resonant typing experience.
One key difference between the two switches is the material used in their top housing - INK blend for the Ink Yellow and polycarbonate for the Koala. While both materials create a higher-pitched sound, the INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, while polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Ink Yellow's proprietary blend is specifically designed to be clacky, while the Koala's translucent polycarbonate housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the switches also plays a significant role in the sound profile, with the Nylon bottom housing of the Koala providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Yellow's blend.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock Koala ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials - the INK blend and polycarbonate for the top housing, and nylon for the bottom housing. While the Ink Yellow may be preferred for its clacky sound profile and high-pitched sound, the Koala stands out for its clear and resonant typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Overall, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala has an unknown actuation force but shares the same bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Koala tacticle switch slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Ink Yellow. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Koala for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with slight differences in their actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Koala might provide a more substantial key press for those who enjoy a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their respective travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for responsiveness or key depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Ink Yellow is known for its neutral and clacky characteristics, providing a moderate actuation force requirement along with a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched switches. Both switches cater to a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and the sound produced will also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished typing experience with a safe, middle-ground approach suitable for most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Durock Koala provides a polished and accented typing experience with a stepped tactility that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Koala switch is noted for its stiffness, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Durock Koala switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow provides a neutral and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched and accented sound paired with a polished and stiff feel. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results with their individual characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smoother and clackier feel with a shorter travel distance, the Ink Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala may be more suitable. In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow offers a neutral or clacky sound, while the Koala provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Koala provides a polished, accented, stepped, and potentially stiff feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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