Durock Koala vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical switches for your keyboard, the Durock Koala and Gateron Mars offer two distinct experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its balanced keystroke that provides a pronounced yet subtle bump, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback without the disruption of excessive noise. This switch is characterized by its polished, low-pitched, and accented feel, delivering a satisfying typing experience that's not overly loud but still resonates with each press. In contrast, the Gateron Mars, a linear switch, is designed for smooth, uninterrupted key presses, thanks to its innovative POK stem coupled with a nylon and POM housing. This combination offers a lighter, fluid typing experience, perfect for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and smoothness over tactile feedback. While the Koala excels in tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience, the Mars shines with its seamless actuation, making it a better choice for those who prefer a quieter, linear feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mars switches, significant differences emerge, particularly when looking at the top housings. The Durock Koala’s top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This property arises from its ability to resonate clearly, making it an ideal choice if users want their switches to have an impactful and vibrant auditory character, especially relevant for those using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer texture which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profiling. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb sound better than polycarbonate, leading to a more muted and less resonant sound experience when typing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals some similarities and differences that also affect the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Durock Koala uses a nylon bottom housing, which shares characteristics with the nylon top housing found in the Mars. Consequently, the Koala’s bottom housing aligns with the trend seen in nylon-switch constructions, presenting a deeper sound profile that emphasizes a more rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, further diversifying its sound profile to produce a unique and muted auditory presence. While both nylon and POM are categorized as softer materials relative to polycarbonate, the POM gives a distinct note, resulting in a slightly different interaction with sound without losing the richness typical of softer plastics.
In combining the varied material characteristics of both switches, we can expect unique sound experiences that hinge on the roles of each housing component. In the case of the Durock Koala, the polycarbonate top works to create a clear sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom adds depth and fullness to the bottom-out sound. The Gateron Mars splits its auditory experience similarly: the nylon top gives a fuller tone when being pressed down, while the POM bottom contributes a more muted yet pleasant sound when the key is released. Although the switches employ different materials for their top and bottom sections, they achieve nuanced sound profiles that allow users to enjoy a diverse typing experience, whether the characteristics call for sharper resonance or deeper tonal quality. Overall, users can achieve satisfactory results tailored to their preferences, depending on which aspects of sound and feel they prioritize when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, their actuation forces present a distinct contrast. The Koala's actuation force is unknown, while the Gateron Mars has a clear actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered relatively light. This lighter force can contribute to a more comfortable typing experience, particularly for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Koala's bottom out force is 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. Consequently, while the Koala switch might offer a heavier tactile feedback, the Mars switch's lighter actuation could make it the preferable choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience. Thus, if one were to seek an overall lighter switch, they would likely lean towards the Gateron Mars, while those preferring a heavier feel might gravitate towards the Durock Koala.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mars offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Durock Koala the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that many users may find satisfying during their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where quicker actuation is beneficial. Users who prefer a more pronounced feedback might lean towards the Koala, whereas those seeking swiftness and efficiency may favor the Mars.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 comparing the acoustic characteristics of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Koala stands out with its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches like the Koala produce a bass-heavy, mellow tone, which can be pleasingly subtle for both casual use and work environments. The neutral sound attunes well to various settings, making it a versatile choice for typists at all levels. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars is not specified, thus leaving its acoustic qualities unknown. It’s important to note that the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the materials of the keycaps used.
In terms of tactile feel, the Koala shines with its polished, accented, and stepped characteristics. The polished design allows for a markedly smooth typing experience, significantly minimizing friction and enhancing key travel fluidity. The accented tactile feedback gives users a robust sensation; it's not overly aggressive yet still substantial enough to ensure clarity during typing. The stepped design adds a unique layer to the tactile experience, where users can differentiate stages in key travel—offering a more dynamic interaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a specified feel description, so its typing experience remains unknown.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a well-rounded experience across sound and feel, appealing to those who desire a subtle yet identifiable tactile response paired with a low, neutral sound. While the Gateron Mars linear switch presents uncertainty in its acoustic and tactile qualities, the Koala's established characteristics make it a safe and appealing choice for newcomers. Those seeking a specific auditory and tactile experience in their mechanical keyboard could confidently opt for the Koala, while the Mars would require further exploration to better understand its offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences, typing habits, and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile experience that provides a pronounced bump without being overly harsh, the Koala is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams ensures you can feel each keystroke distinctly, making it suitable for typing tasks where feedback is crucial, such as coding or writing. The Koala's low-pitched sound and polished feel further enhance a serene working environment, ideal if you value a refined typing experience without significant noise. Conversely, if you prefer linear switches that emphasize smoothness and consistency, the Gateron Mars might be your best bet. These switches are designed for a seamless keystroke, appealing for gaming and rapid typing scenarios where quick responses are essential, although you may want to confirm the specifics on their bottom-out force for more precise weight preference. Additionally, if you prefer a quieter setup, the Mars could fit the bill, as it lacks the tactile bump that generates noise. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you—feedback, sound, or smoothness—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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