Durock Koala vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Koalas offer a balanced level of tactility, providing a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming, and a bit of resonance without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smooth and buttery feel, making it a favorite among budget enthusiasts for both gaming and typing. While the Koalas are polished, low-pitched, and accented, the Milky Yellow Pros are bassy, buttery, and textured. Both switches have their unique qualities, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), we can see that the Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material of the Koala creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the nylon material of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials are known for their durability and are commonly used in switches for their unique sound profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Koala and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) feature nylon materials. This means that typing on these switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be more pronounced, showcasing the qualities of the nylon material in both switches.
While the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their top housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound, perfect for those who prefer a clearer sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) creates a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more rounded sound profile. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a lower bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium. The actuation force of the Koala is unspecified, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) requires 50 grams of force to actuate. This means that the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is lighter to press compared to the Koala.
When it comes to weight considerations, those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) as it allows for longer typing sessions and gaming marathons. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Koala with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force, with the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offering a lighter touch and the Koala providing a more solid push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect to get a consistent typing experience in terms of the amount of distance the switch travels. Both switches provide a standard travel distance, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a keypress with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy and thocky sound, giving off a rich and satisfying tone during key presses. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance your typing or gaming sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala switch boasts a polished and accented feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility. With its stepped design, users can feel some pre-travel and post-travel, offering a more nuanced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a buttery and textured feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Whether you prefer a more polished and accented tactile feel or a buttery and textured linear feel, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing comfort.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a polished and accented tactile feel, the Milky Yellow Pro emits a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery and textured linear feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preferences for sound profiles and tactile feedback. If you enjoy a more pronounced bump with a moderate sound profile, the Koala may be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a rich sound accompaniment, the Milky Yellow Pro could be the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, then the Durock Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery linear switch with a medium bottom out force that is versatile for both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for feel and sound. Consider what type of typing experience you are looking for and select the switch that best fits your needs.
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