Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown 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 Jupiter Brown and the Durock Koala both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that provides a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, perfect for those who value tradition and innovation. On the other hand, the Durock Koala also offers a tactile experience but with a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without being overly loud. While the Jupiter Brown is categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped', the Koala is classified as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons why you may want to choose it, 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Koala, it is clear that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Jupiter Brown or the Koala switches.
However, where the switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Koala also features a nylon bottom housing with similar qualities, offering users a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound depth and fullness. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches maintain a high quality in their construction and performance.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Koala ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a crisp and resonant sound profile, the differing nylon bottom housing materials offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different users. Whether one prefers a sharper sound with the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing or a fuller sound with the Koala's nylon bottom housing, both switches provide a high level of quality and performance that are sure to enhance any typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Durock Koala tactile switch does not have a specified actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams, whereas the Koala requires 67 grams. This makes the Jupiter Brown slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but heavier when it comes to bottoming out compared to the Koala. The actuation force plays a crucial role in determining the sensitivity of the switch, with a lighter actuation force being preferred for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the bottom out force contributes to the overall typing experience, with some users preferring a heavier force for a more substantial feel. Overall, while the actuation force differs between the two switches, they both fall within the medium-heavy category, providing a similar level of performance in terms of force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Koala tactile switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This allows for consistent typing or gaming experience regardless of which switch you choose. Having an equal travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and actuation point, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between the two switches. In conclusion, the travel distance of both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Koala tactile switches is the same, providing a comparable typing experience for users.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 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 Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Jupiter Brown being more versatile and the Koala catering to those who prefer a deeper sound profile based on preferences and usage scenarios.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with a gentle keystroke. This switch is designed to be approachable and comfortable for most users. On the contrary, the Durock Koala features a polished and accented feel, combining a smooth key travel with a medium amount of tactility that is not overpowering. Additionally, the Koala is known for its stepped feel, providing a unique typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Both switches offer quality tactile feedback with the Jupiter Brown leaning towards a softer approach while the Koala delivers a slightly more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Durock Koala tactile switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, catering to a variety of preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Jupiter Brown offers a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, the Koala presents a low-pitched sound and a polished, accented typing experience with stepped tactility. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that deliver reliable performance and aesthetic appeal, with users likely to achieve similar satisfying results based on their individual preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a classic keystroke feel and medium-heavy weight, the Gateron Jupiter Brown may be the right choice for you. The Jupiter Brown offers a mild and polished typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a softer feel while typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a switch with a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala could be the better option. The Koala provides an accented and stepped tactile feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Durock Koala will depend on your preference for weight, tactility, and overall typing feel. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing style and needs best.
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