Durock Koala vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are popular choices that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch known for providing a balanced keystroke experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the user. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro offers a smooth linear option that is budget-friendly and produces a pleasing low-pitched sound. While the Koala offers a polished and stiff typing experience, the Milky Red Pro delivers a buttery smooth feel with a thocky sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
52g
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
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Durock Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which also adds to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This difference in top housing materials may result in a distinct sound and feel when typing on each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Durock Koala and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deep and fuller sound, the Durock Koala's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different typing experience compared to the Koala. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch can influence the overall sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Koala requires a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams, making the Koala the heavier option of the two. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Milky Red Pro has a lighter requirement of 45 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milky Red Pro due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, for users who enjoy a more robust typing feel, the Durock Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from top to bottom. Therefore, in terms of key feel and actuation, both switches will provide similar results. However, it is worth noting that despite having the same travel distance, the Koala is a tactile switch while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch. This means that the tactile feedback experienced when pressing down on a key will differ between the two switches. Overall, while their travel distances may be equal, the distinction in switch type will lead to different typing experiences for the user.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a mellow and moderate sound profile that suits most users whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch delivers a bassy, thocky sound with a low-pitched frequency, giving a deep and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility and a noticeable bump that is not overwhelming. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke without the tactile feedback found in the Koala switch. While the Koala switch provides a more tactile typing experience, the Milky Red Pro switch focuses on delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke for those who prefer linear switches.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala switch provides a tactile bump with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Milky Red Pro switch offers a smooth and buttery keystroke with a bassy and thocky sound. Depending on whether you prefer a tactile or linear typing experience, and your personal preference for sound characteristics, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump without being too heavy-handed, the Koala is the way to go. Its polished and accented feel complements the medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. However, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lower bottom out force of 52 grams, then the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is your best bet. Its budget-friendly price tag and low-pitched, thocky sound profile make it a great choice for those who value a pleasant typing sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and a medium-heavy feel (Koala) or smoothness and a lighter touch (Milky Red Pro).
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