Durock Koala vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, with the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, it becomes evident that both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Koalas are a great option for those who enjoy a tactile feedback without excessive noise. With a distinctive bump in the middle of the keystroke and a polished, low-pitched sound profile, they offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Blue Jade switches are known for their pronounced clicky sound with every keystroke, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more audible 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Outemu Blue Jade both feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches using harder plastics for their bottom housing. However, the Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those looking to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Blue Jade's nylon top housing is a more classic choice for a switch.
While both the Koala and Blue Jade share a nylon bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. This contrast in materials affects the overall sound profile of the switches, with the top housing playing a significant role in the sound when a key is released. The combination of a stiffer polycarbonate top housing with a softer nylon bottom housing in the Koala results in a switch that offers a balance of sharpness and fullness in its sound. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's all-nylon housing construction creates a more uniform deep and full sound profile. This showcases how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Blue Jade exhibit differences in their housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. While both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Koala's inclusion of a polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of its sound. This makes the Koala a suitable option for those seeking a crisper sound profile with the added benefit of RGB lighting compatibility. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's all-nylon housing construction offers a consistently deep and full sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, while the Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, making the Blue Jade the lighter option between the two. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams for the Koala and 65 grams for the Blue Jade, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. The Koala provides a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience, while the Blue Jade offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force in order to optimize typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance may result in a consistent typing experience across both switches. While the specific feel and sound of each switch may vary due to their design and materials used, their travel distance remains the same, providing a familiar tactile and audible feedback regardless of which switch is being used. Overall, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Blue Jade are equal in terms of travel distance, offering a comparable typing experience in this regard.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
The Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to compare in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The stepped tactility provides a unique feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages, allowing for a more controlled typing experience. Additionally, the stiff nature of the switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate, which can be suitable for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. As for the Outemu Blue Jade switch, the information regarding its feel is unknown.
Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a low-pitched sound profile, a polished feel, and a stepped tactility, the Durock Koala switch would be a great option for you. However, since subjective qualities such as sound and feel can vary greatly depending on personal preference, it's important to consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style the best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it's worth exploring different options to find the perfect fit for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and requirements. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile switch with a pronounced bump but not overwhelming, the Koala would be a suitable choice. It offers a polished, accented, and stepped feel with low-pitched and neutral sound profiles. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force with a clicky switch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, the Blue Jade might be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing experience preferences and whether you prioritize tactility or audible feedback in your mechanical keyboard.
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