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Durock Koala vs. Outemu Cold Plum

An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, individuals are presented with two unique options for their mechanical keyboard preferences. The Koalas offer a balanced tactile experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the keystroke, giving users just the right amount of feedback. Additionally, they provide a bit of resonance without being excessively loud, making them ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switches from Outemu stand out for their thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, creating a distinctive typing experience for enthusiasts. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference. 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

60g

Bottom-out force

67g

Bottom-out force

70g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.30 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

Nylon

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

In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due it being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will provide a duller and rounder sound when typing, making them suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience. However, the Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material gives the Koala a distinct sound profile compared to the Cold Plum.

On the other hand, when it comes to the top housing material, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing contrasts with the Cold Plum's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material used in the Koala provides a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more distinct and sharp sound while typing. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum elicits a deeper and fuller sound, making it suitable for those who enjoy a softer and rounder sound profile. These differences in top housing material highlight how the choice of materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.

Overall, while the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cold Plum both use nylon for the bottom housing, their choice of materials for the top housing sets them apart. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who prefer a softer sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences, making them both appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it's clear that the Cold Plum is the lighter of the two. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Cold Plum has a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches are considered medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force. However, the actuation force of the Cold Plum is 60 grams, while the actuation force of the Koala is unknown. In this case, since both switches are in the medium-heavy range for bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Cold Plum for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier push feel of the Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch is 4 mm, which is longer than the travel distance of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch at 3.3 mm. The Koala offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Cold Plum provides a shallower experience. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum for faster response times, whereas those who enjoy a deeper keypress may prefer the Koala. Both switches offer a unique feel based on their travel distances, providing different experiences for users to choose from. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the travel distance that best suits your preferences and needs will ensure a satisfying typing or gaming experience.

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 Cold Plum 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, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is not too loud. This makes it suitable for a variety of settings, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is noted for a thocky sound profile that provides a unique typing experience. The lack of information on the sound profile of the Cold Plum switch suggests that it may have a more distinct and possibly louder sound compared to the Koala.

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 noticeable but not overwhelming tactile bump. The stepped tactility provides a two-stage keystroke sensation, adding to the overall typing feel. In comparison, there is no information available on the specific feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch. However, based on the Koala's description, it can be inferred that the Cold Plum switch may offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a low-pitched sound with a polished, accented feel that caters to those who prefer a pronounced yet manageable tactile bump. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile and a smooth typing experience, which may appeal to users looking for a unique and enjoyable typing feel. While the specific characteristics of the Cold Plum switch are unknown, it is likely that users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the available information. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump that isn't too overwhelming, the Koala switches are a solid choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum switches may be more up your alley. Consider the sound and feel profiles of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels and sounds best to you as you type.

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