Durock Koala vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala and the Everglide Oreo mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are tactile switches, it's clear that they offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Koala is praised for its balanced keystrokes that deliver a satisfying punch without being too overpowering, thanks to its stepped tactility and low-pitched, accented feel. On the other hand, the Oreo stands out for its delectable tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned bottom-out, providing a light tactility and a comfortable typing experience with a subtle, mellow sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound, and typing experience. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Everglide Oreo both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the Koala has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
One notable difference between the Koala and the Oreo is their bottom housing material. While the Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Oreo opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in housing materials results in varying sound experiences when typing on the switches. The Koala's bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Oreo's top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches still offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
In terms of sound and aesthetics, the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Everglide Oreo play a crucial role in defining their overall performance. The Koala's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while the Oreo's all-polycarbonate housing leans towards a crisper and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in both switches allows for an enhanced visual experience when paired with RGB lighting. Overall, whether you choose the Koala or the Oreo, you can expect a satisfying typing experience thanks to their carefully selected housing materials that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light, and an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of weight, the Oreo is lighter with its actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Koala. Actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, and both switches provide different levels of force for typing. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Oreo for extended typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that they offer a similar typing experience with the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Koala or the Oreo, you can expect to get similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Overall, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a standard travel distance, making them great options for those looking for a tactile switch with a moderate keypress 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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switches have a chirpy sound, adding a unique characteristic to the typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and setup, users may enjoy the subtle mellow sound of the Koala or the distinctive chirp of the Oreo switches.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Koala and Everglide Oreo switches share similar qualities, such as being accented and stepped. This means that users can expect a medium tactile feel with a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming, offering a satisfying typing experience without being too intense. Additionally, the stepped design of both switches provides a more gradual tactile feedback, allowing users to feel distinct stages throughout the keystroke. Whether you choose the Koala or the Oreo, you can expect a polished and refined typing experience with a comfortable level of tactility.
Overall, the Durock Koala and Everglide Oreo tactile switches offer users a middle ground in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a low-pitched sound profile and the Oreo offers a chirpy tone, both switches deliver a satisfying tactile sensation with accented and stepped characteristics. Whether you prefer a mellow sound with a pronounced tactile bump or enjoy a unique chirpy sound with a cushioned keystroke, both the Koala and Oreo switches cater to different preferences while providing a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing satisfaction with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Koala. Its stepped tactility and polished feel provide a satisfying keystroke with a bit of resonance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Oreo is the way to go. With its crisp tactile bump and cushioned bottoming out sensation, you'll experience a comfortable typing experience with a subtle, mellow sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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