Durock Koala vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it's important to consider the key differences between the two. The Koalas are a perfect choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without being too overpowering. with a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without spanning the entire keystroke, they offer a satisfying typing feel with a bit of resonance, but not overly loud. on the other hand, the Cream Blue switches are known for their audible click sound, making them ideal for those who enjoy the satisfaction of hearing each key press. they are categorized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, stiff. 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Blue switches both feature nylon bottom housings which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties. However, the Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material gives the Koala switch a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Cream Blue switch. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the Koala's use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more distinct sound experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Koala switch's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency which is ideal for RGB lighting effects. This allows for a visually appealing experience when using the switch in conjunction with RGB lighting setups. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency, which may limit its visual appeal when used with RGB setups. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing creates a more modern and sleek look compared to the Cream Blue's nylon top housing.
When it comes to the overall sound experience of the switches, both the Koala and Cream Blue offer unique qualities based on their housing materials. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in top housing material contribute to distinct sound profiles for each switch, providing users with a variety of options depending on their sound preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality sound experiences, but the choice between the two will depend on whether a user prefers a sharper sound profile (Koala) or a deeper sound profile (Cream Blue).
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter than the Outemu Cream Blue which has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams for the Durock Koala and 65 grams for the Outemu Cream Blue, making them both medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Durock Koala may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Cream Blue may be favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches provide a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is identical, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress depth. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation feel when using either switch. Overall, whether you choose the Durock Koala or the Outemu Cream Blue, you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a reliable travel distance.
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 Cream Blue 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 polished and accented feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. It features a stepped design, offering a noticeable bump without being too aggressive. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch lacks specific information on its tactile feel. Moving on to sound, the Koala is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various settings. In contrast, details on the sound of the Cream Blue switch are unknown.
In conclusion, while the Durock Koala and Outemu Cream Blue switches have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, the Cream Blue lacks specific information. If looking for a tactile switch with a polished, stepped design and low-pitched sound, the Durock Koala would be a reliable choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience. Alternatively, without more details on the Outemu Cream Blue, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison. Ultimately, factors such as personal preference, typing style, and intended use will play a significant role in determining the best switch for an individual's mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, ultimately you should choose the Durock Koala tactile switch if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a balanced feel with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance without being too loud. The Koala would be a good option for those who want a switch that packs a punch but is not overly heavy. On the other hand, you should go for the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a clicky sound profile. The Cream Blue offers a satisfying clicky feel without being too loud. In the final analysis, your choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for tactility and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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