Durock Koala vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Gateron Melodic offer users unique experiences to enhance their typing or gaming performance. The Koala is hailed for its tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying bump and a comfortable keystroke. With a polished, low-pitched feel and a neutral but accented tactility, the Koala provides a pronounced bump without overwhelming noise levels. On the other hand, the Melodic by Gateron brings new life to clicky switches with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, delivering a buttery and resonant typing experience with invigorating clicks. If you prefer a traditional clicky switch with a touch of smoothness, the Melodic might be the way to go. 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
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Gateron Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housings, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Melodic also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the housing materials of the Durock Koala and Gateron Melodic play a significant role. The split between the top and bottom housings affects how the switches perform when pressed and released. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite both switches having different bottom housing materials, the qualities each material brings to the typing experience are complementary and work together to create a satisfying sound profile.
While the Durock Koala and Gateron Melodic may differ in their bottom housing materials, they both share the benefits of having polycarbonate top housings. This results in both switches producing similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal choices for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects. Overall, whether you choose the Koala with its nylon bottom housing or the Melodic with its similar bottom housing, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with a focus on sound quality and aesthetics.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both have an actuation force of None grams, making them equally light in terms of initial keystroke activation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock Koala has a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Gateron Melodic has a slightly lighter force of 60 grams. This means that the Durock Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel compared to the Gateron Melodic. For those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods without fatigue, the Gateron Melodic may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and a heavier typing feel may lean towards the Durock Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This allows for consistent typing or gaming experiences across both switches. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Koala or the clicky sound of the Melodic, you can be assured that the travel distance will be the same for both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate sound suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic produces a resonant and crunchy sound, giving a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience akin to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium tactile feel and a prominent bump that is not overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic offers a buttery and invigorating sensation, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that are snappy and reactive, creating an immersive typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation force, catering to users who prefer varying levels of feedback and typing dynamics.
Overall, the Durock Koala and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that can significantly impact the typing experience for users. While the Koala provides a balance between a pronounced bump and moderate sound, the Melodic excels in offering a buttery smooth feel with an invigorating response. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump but not too overwhelming, the Durock Koala would be a great choice for you. The Koalas offer a polished, accented feel that is not overly stiff, along with a low-pitched sound profile that is neutral and not too loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force, smooth factory lubing, and a classic clicky sound, the Gateron Melodic is the switch for you. The Melodic switches have a buttery, invigorating feel and a resonant, crunchy sound profile that adds an immersive auditory experience to your typing. Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Koala and Gateron Melodic will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and resonance or smoothness and clicky feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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