Durock Koala vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala and the Outemu Lime mechanical keyboard switches, a noticeable difference lies in their tactile feedback. The Koala is renowned for its stepped tactility, offering a satisfying bump without being overly loud, making it ideal for those who enjoy a punchy keystroke. On the other hand, the Lime switches stand out for their lightweight design, muted tactility, and silent operation, providing a gentle typing experience for tactile enthusiasts. While the Koala is categorized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', and 'Accented', the Lime falls under categories like 'Muted', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Outemu Lime both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Lime uses nylon for its top housing, similar to the bottom housing, resulting in consistent sound qualities throughout the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Nylon top housing of the Lime provides a classic look that may appeal to users seeking a more traditional design. Despite the differences in materials used for the top housing, both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound, the Lime's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Outemu Lime ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Koala's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, fuller sound of the Lime's nylon housing, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Additionally, the consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar feel and sound when bottoming out keys, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Lime is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Koala is unknown, whereas the Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Koala may require a stronger initial push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lime. When considering weight, the Koala would be better suited for those looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the Lime would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Koala offers a heavier typing experience, while the Lime provides a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the Outemu Lime for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Durock Koala with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, with the Koala providing a deeper, more pronounced press compared to the quicker, shallower press of the Lime. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Lime 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 Durock Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switch provides a neutral sound with a muted quality, making it quieter and more suitable for shared spaces. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Koala offering a bit more resonance and the Lime being more subdued.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a refined, medium-tactile experience with a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming. In comparison, the Outemu Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, providing a light and gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. The Koala leans towards a more pronounced and structured tactile feel, while the Lime offers a softer and more effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Koala and Outemu Lime switches present distinct qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a neutral, low-pitched sound, the Koala might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter and more feathery typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Lime could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump and some resonance in sound, then the Koala switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a feathery light typing experience, a touch of tactility, and a quieter sound profile, then the Lime switch might be more suited to your needs. Consider your typing preferences and priorities to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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