Durock Koala vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Koalas provide a balanced tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the keystroke, making them ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying but not overly aggressive typing feel. On the other hand, the Oil Kings stand out for their smoothness and a sound profile akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar, offering a luxurious and creamy typing experience. While the Koalas are described as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Stiff', the Oil Kings are categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Polished'. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Oil King employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clear and resonant sound, the Oil King's nylon top housing is praised for its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches also differ in their materials. The Koala features a nylon bottom housing, which, similar to the Oil King's nylon top housing, creates a deep and full sound profile. On the other hand, the Oil King uses a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Oil King bring unique sound profiles to the switches, both switches ultimately offer distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala creates a crisp and clear sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Koala and Oil King adds to the overall typing experience, with each material contributing to the switch's sound profile when pressed down. Whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a duller and rounder sound, both switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Durock Koala has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Gateron Oil King, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Gateron Oil King is lighter at 55 grams compared to the Durock Koala's unknown actuation force. Despite these differences, both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Oil King due to its lower actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Koala with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, it can be said that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Koala tactile switch or the Oil King linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a comfortable typing experience with either option.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral tone with a bit of resonance, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound, but with a bassy quality that resembles the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Koala leaning towards a more neutral tone while the Oil King offers a deeper and richer sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accentuated, stepped, and stiff. These qualities result in a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable bump that is not overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a buttery smoothness and effortless keystrokes that glide with ease. While the Koala provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Oil King excels in delivering a silky and luxurious typing sensation.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Koala offers a balanced tactile experience with a low-pitched sound, while the Oil King provides a smooth and buttery typing feel with a bassy sound profile. Depending on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a bit of resonance without being overly loud, the Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King linear switch might be more suitable. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Koala being low-pitched and having a polished and accented feel, while the Oil King is also low-pitched but offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel.
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