Durock Koala vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Mountain Top, a linear switch, some notable differences and similarities emerge. The Koala offers a balanced keystroke experience with a pronounced bump but not overwhelming, providing a bit of resonance without being too loud. This switch is suitable for those who prefer a tactile feel with a bit of punch. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet tactile typing experience ideal for professional settings. It provides a soft actuation and a subtle sound signature, making it unobtrusive for continuous typing. 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Mountain Top, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. However, since the Koala uses polycarbonate for its top housing, it will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound created by the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top. This contrast in sound profiles can make a significant difference for those who prefer a more clear and resonant sound versus a softer and more muted sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Koala's polycarbonate top housing provides a translucent look that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This is a unique feature that sets it apart from the Gateron Mountain Top, which does not offer the same level of translucency. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing may also contribute to a more durable and long-lasting switch overall, compared to the softer nylon material used in the Mountain Top's housing. This difference in material could impact the longevity and sustainability of the switches in the long run.
Overall, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Durock Koala's top housing creates a distinct sound profile and aesthetic appeal that differs from the Gateron Mountain Top. The Koala offers a sharper and crisper sound thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, while the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, durability, and aesthetic features such as RGB lighting capabilities.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that there is a substantial difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unknown, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter in comparison. In terms of bottom out force, the Koala requires 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Mountain Top only needs 50 grams, making it lighter than the Koala. The Koala provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top offers a lighter actuation force, perfect for those who prefer a smoother typing experience for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while 3.0mm is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Mountain Top a potentially popular choice for gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Koala with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific use case.
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 Mountain Top 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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch also features a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound that is ideal for quiet typing in professional environments. Both switches are designed to provide a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud, making them suitable for different applications depending on individual preferences and settings.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switches are described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with a medium level of tactility. In comparison, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a spring-like feedback with gentle resistance for effortless and comfortable typing. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with different levels of tactility and responsiveness, catering to the preferences of users who may prefer either a more pronounced or subtle typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. While the Koala provides a more pronounced tactile bump and low-pitched sound, the Mountain Top offers a quiet and gentle typing experience ideal for office settings. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches provide a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both switches, albeit with distinct differences in their sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should choose the Koala if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump that is not too overwhelming. The Koalas provide a balanced and resonant keystroke without being too loud. On the other hand, opt for the Gateron Mountain Top switch if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear typing experience that is quiet yet not entirely silent. The Mountain Top switches are designed for discreet and continuous typing in professional settings. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your preference for tactility and sound in your keyboard typing experience.
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