Durock Koala vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and Gateron Luciola are popular choices to consider. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that offers a perfect balance for those seeking a tactile response without overwhelming feedback. With a subtle bump in the keystroke and a touch of resonance, the Koalas provide a satisfying typing experience without being too noisy. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is a linear switch known for its unique glow-in-the-dark feature. Offering a smooth and bouncy typing feel, these switches produce a distinctive sound profile akin to a spray paint can being shaken. While the Koala is categorized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', and 'Stepped', the Luciola is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Chirpy', and 'Buttery'. Each switch has its own set of qualities that make it appealing to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Luciola bring different characteristics to the sound profile of the switches. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing which also contributes to a thin and higher-pitched sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Koala and the Gateron Luciola switches aim to provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala offers a clear and resonant sound, while the Luciola's INK blend top housing provides a satisfying clacky sound without being overly sharp. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Koala absorbs more sound to create a rounder and duller sound, whereas the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Gateron Luciola switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper, clearer sound with the Koala or a clacky, higher-pitched sound with the Luciola, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience based on the materials used in their housings.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is apparent that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottoming out, the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. The Koala offers a heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Luciola is lighter in comparison, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Luciola has a shorter travel distance compared to the Koala. The difference may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. Gamers who value quicker response times may prefer the Luciola with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Koala with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Koala providing a bit more depth in each press compared to the Luciola's quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile. These switches offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a more distinctive sound profile. Described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, the Luciola switches provide a sharp and percussive sound that stands out. The choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a more subtle and neutral sound or a brighter and more distinctive sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switches are characterized by their polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. These switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches are described as snappy, buttery, and polished. With a smooth and responsive keystroke, the Luciola switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Whether you prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience or a smoother and more fluid feel will determine which switch is the better choice for you.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a more neutral and polished sound and feel, with a pronounced bump and refined finish. In contrast, the Luciola offers a more distinctive and lively sound profile, along with a smooth and responsive typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you should consider your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Koala is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, then the Luciola is the better choice. Also, consider the sound and feel of each switch to determine which aligns better with your personal typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, so it's important to weigh your priorities when making a decision.
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