Durock Koala vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Koala and the Outemu Brown, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Durock Koalas are a favorite among users who appreciate a tactile bump in their keystrokes, without it being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility, these switches offer a pronounced bump that doesn't extend through the entire keystroke, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Koalas are polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff, providing a balanced and tactile feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Browns are known for their simplicity and reliability. While lacking specific standout features, these switches offer a standard tactile feedback with a smooth keystroke. Although they do not have distinct categorizations like the Koalas, they are a solid choice for those looking for a traditional tactile switch. In summary, the Koalas offer a more nuanced and tactile typing experience, while the Browns are a reliable and straightforward option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Outemu Brown Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Koala and the Outemu Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. Both switches share these qualities in their top housing material, ensuring a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Koala and the Brown feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that adds a unique tactile experience to the typing process. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience that emphasizes a deeper and more resonant sound profile.

When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will be felt differently depending on whether it is used for the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material influences different aspects of the typing experience, users can appreciate the unique qualities and characteristics that the Durock Koala and Outemu Brown switches offer.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Brown switch. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, while the Brown switch has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Koala registering at 67 grams and the Brown at 65 grams, making them both medium-heavy in that aspect. The difference in actuation force means that the Koala switch may provide a lighter typing experience, which could be preferred by those who type for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Brown switch offers a stronger push feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distances are identical, ensuring that users will experience a similar typing feel regardless of which switch they choose. The consistency in travel distance between the Koala and Brown switches means that users can expect a familiar tactile response when pressing down on the keys, creating a dependable typing experience. While the specific differences in the construction and materials of the switches will influence other aspects of their performance, the travel distance remains a consistent factor in their design.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the switches provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level overall. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as having a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, a medium tactile bump that is not overwhelming, a two-stage tactile feel, and requires a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. As for the Outemu Brown switch, there is no information available on its tactile feel qualities. In this case, it can be inferred that the Koala switch would provide a more nuanced and tactile typing experience compared to the Outemu Brown switch.

In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a unique combination of features that make it stand out in terms of both sound and feel. With its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff tactile feel, the Koala switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump. While the Outemu Brown switch may offer similar qualities due to its tactile nature, the specific characteristics of its sound and feel are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Koala switch. Ultimately, for those looking for a tactile switch with a distinct tactile feel and sound profile, the Durock Koala switch may be the preferred choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump that is not too aggressive, the Durock Koala is a great choice. The Koala switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile and a polished and accented feel, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and whether you prefer a more pronounced bump or a more subtle tactile feel when deciding between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more