Durock Koala vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala to the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique advantages catering to different preferences. The Koala is renowned for its pronounced bump and stepped tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a punchy keystroke without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Mini i switches by Gateron provide a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, making them suitable for the quiet professionalism required in office settings. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the Koala leans towards a more polished and accented feel, whereas the Mini i is characterized by its easy-to-press nature and subtle feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mini i, it is clear that the Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the Mini i features a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mini i produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Koala's top housing enhances the sound when a key is pressed, the Mini i's top housing impacts the sound when the key is released.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mini i utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice in housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches due to the softer plastic composition of nylon. The absorbent nature of nylon helps in creating a duller and rounder sound overall. As a result, the bottom housing of each switch will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. It is interesting to note how the split between the top and bottom housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mini i have different housing materials for their top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that although the sound profiles may vary slightly due to the different top housing materials, the overall typing experience will be quite similar. The qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing will be consistent between the two switches, resulting in a deep and full sound profile with a dull and round tone. In the end, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is clear that the Mini i is the lighter option while the Koala is the heavier one. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke, but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a lighter typing feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Mini i would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel may prefer the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Mini i has a shorter travel distance compared to the Koala. The shorter travel distance on the Mini i may be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the longer travel distance on the Koala may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too loud, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i also boasts a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a subtle sound that is ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. Both switches provide satisfying feedback without being overly disruptive, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of the setting.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala is characterized by its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff attributes. These features result in a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent yet manageable level of tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel, providing a gentle and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the Koala leaning towards a more pronounced tactile experience while the Mini i focuses on a light and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Gateron Mini i switches each bring their own unique characteristics to the table when it comes to sound and feel. The Koala offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a low-pitched sound profile, suited for those who prefer a punchy keystroke. On the other hand, the Mini i provides a gentle and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, perfect for office environments where a quiet atmosphere is essential. While both switches excel in different areas, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice, depending on their preference for tactile feel and sound profile. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific typing environment they will be used in.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the level of tactility and bottom out force that best suits your typing preferences. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being too loud, the Durock Koala switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for comfortable typing over long periods without sacrificing tactile feedback, the Gateron Mini i switches are ideal. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your specific typing style and preferences for actuation force and tactile feel.
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