Durock Koala vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for tactile enthusiasts are the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance for those who desire a noticeable bump in their keystrokes without it being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without spanning the entire keystroke, the Koalas also offer a touch of resonance without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that is known for its smooth keystrokes without any specific standout characteristics. While the Cream Yellow may lack distinctive features, it still provides a satisfying typing experience.
Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different individuals, with the Durock Koala excelling in providing a tactile experience with a pronounced bump and moderate noise level, and the Outemu Cream Yellow offering a smooth typing experience without any standout features. 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
60g
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Yellow, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the similar material used for the bottom housing in both switches, the overall sound profile and typing experience may differ based on other factors such as the stem and spring used.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Yellow differ, with the Koala using polycarbonate and the Cream Yellow using nylon. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound during typing. The choice of housing material for the top housing can significantly impact the overall sound of the switch, especially when combined with other components such as the stem and spring.
While the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences, they both showcase the importance of material selection in mechanical switches. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar dull and round sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials, along with other components, plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the Cream Yellow is lighter in both aspects. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Koala's None grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is lighter than the Koala's 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and shorter keystrokes, the Cream Yellow may be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit of resistance, the Koala may be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find that the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. A switch with a 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Cream Yellow a popular choice in that aspect. On the other hand, those who prefer a more satisfying keypress with a bit more depth might lean towards the Koala due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound that is not too intrusive. This makes it suitable for a variety of settings, whether you are typing at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, not much information is available about the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The stepped tactility also adds a unique feel to the keystrokes, providing a more nuanced typing experience. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a unique blend of characteristics that cater to those who prefer a tactile switch with a moderate amount of tactility and a low-pitched sound profile. With its polished finish and stepped tactility, it provides a satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy a pronounced bump without excessive noise. While the Outemu Cream Yellow switch may offer similar qualities, the lack of information makes it difficult to determine how it directly compares to the Durock Koala. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a significant bump without being too heavy, the Durock Koala would be a good choice for you. The Koala's medium-heavy bottom out force and stepped tactility offer a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Outemu Cream Yellow might be more suitable for your preferences. The Cream Yellow lacks detailed descriptions in terms of sound and feel, so it may be a simpler option for those who prefer a straightforward typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and force requirements. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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