Durock Koala vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Gateron Magnetic Jade present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking to enhance their typing experience. The Durock Koala stands out with its tactile feedback, boasting a stepped tactility that provides a satisfying bump without overwhelming the user. This switch strikes a balance, offering a polished feel and low-pitched resonance that makes it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of tactile satisfaction without excessive noise. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade introduces a high-tech twist with its hall effect mechanism, delivering a bright, clacky sound that many keyboard aficionados find irresistible. Known for its superior acoustics and an engaging typing experience, this switch is a fantastic choice for individuals looking to elevate their keyboard's performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which greatly influences the auditory experience of each switch. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is beneficial for typists and gamers alike who prefer a more acoustically dynamic keyboard experience. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users looking for vibrant lighting effects and pronounced sound will find that both switches can provide similar results due to their shared material in the top housing.
In contrast, when we examine the bottom housing of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, both switches again share the same material: nylon. This material is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to its softer properties, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will provide a duller and rounder acoustic feedback upon actuation, contrasting beautifully with the crispness established by their polycarbonate tops. This harmonic balance between the two materials allows users to experience a more rounded sound while typing, enriching the overall keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the distinctive interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Durock Koala and Gateron Magnetic Jade results in a well-rounded auditory profile that capitalizes on the strengths of each material. While the polycarbonate tops produce sharp and resonant sounds, the nylon bottoms temper this with deeper acoustics. The synergistic effect of these materials ensures that both switches deliver a uniquely satisfying typing experience, combining the best elements from each housing type. Thus, regardless of the specific switch chosen, users can expect a balanced auditory feedback that capitalizes on the strengths of polycarbonate and nylon alike.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an unknown actuation force, while its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. As a result, the Magnetic Jade would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, whether during work or gaming sessions, while the Koala would cater to users seeking a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. This distinction in force profiles signifies that users will have different tactile experiences with these switches, with the Koala providing a heftier bottom-out sensation compared to the lighter, quicker response of the Magnetic Jade.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, a notable difference emerges. The Durock Koala boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with a more traditional feel and is often favored by users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from faster actuation. While both switches offer distinct travel experiences, the Koala's 4 mm depth provides a more substantial tactile feedback compared to the slightly more responsive yet less pronounced 3.5 mm travel of the Magnetic Jade. Therefore, if you prioritize depth and a more grounded keystroke, the Durock Koala would be the optimal choice, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade may appeal to those who favor speed and agility in their typing.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 tactile switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This gives it a bass-heavy, mellow tone, making it suitable for various environments, whether for home use or office settings. The neutral quality ensures that the sound isn't overwhelming, providing a balanced auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is known for its bright and clacky sound, which may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced acoustic experience. While the specific acoustic profile of the Magnetic Jade isn't detailed beyond its clackiness, this characteristic suggests a more lively and vibrant sound compared to the Koala's more understated tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is characterized by its polished and accented tactile feedback. The smooth finish and refined feel enhance the typing experience, allowing for reduced friction and a sleek key travel. With a stepped tactility, the Koala offers a pronounced bump that adds to the typing engagement without feeling too aggressive. Additionally, the Koala is noted for its stiffness, requiring a bit more effort to actuate, which can be preferable for those who like a solid keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Magnetic Jade switch is not explicitly described, leaving it unknown how its tactile quality and actuation might compare to the Koala.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balanced sound profile and a well-defined yet smooth tactile feel. Its low-pitched, neutral acoustics paired with a stepped, polished tactile feedback make it versatile for various scenarios. The Gateron Magnetic Jade, with its bright and clacky sound, caters to a different audience, likely sought by those who prioritize an engaging auditory experience. However, without detailed insights into the tactile characteristics of the Jade, it's challenging to fully evaluate how it may compare in terms of feel. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences in sound and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Koala and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a tactile typing experience that offers a well-defined bump without overwhelming feedback, the Durock Koala is the ideal choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams strikes a balance between satisfying resistance and smooth action, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. The low-pitched sound profile lends it a discreetness appropriate for office environments while still providing enjoyable resonance. On the other hand, if you prioritize acoustic enjoyment and a lighter touch, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches will serve you well. The 55-gram actuation force allows for rapid typing with minimal effort, while their clacky sound enhances the auditory feedback of each keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound signature in their gaming or personal setups. Therefore, consider how much tactile feedback and sound you desire in your keyboard experience, as this will greatly influence which switch is right for you.
Mentioned in this article
