Durock Koala vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, also a tactile switch. The Durock Koala is favored for its middle ground feel, providing a noticeable bump without being excessive throughout the keystroke. It is known for its polished, low-pitched, and accented characteristics, offering a stiff and stepped tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its dustproof design. While each switch has its own unique qualities, such as the Koala's pronounced bump and the Dustproof Brown's resistance to dust, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 Dustproof Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the Koala and the Dustproof Brown differ in their bottom housing material.
The Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch. Despite their different top housings, both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings.
Overall, while the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Brown share similar polycarbonate top housings, their use of nylon in the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The split of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch allows each material to contribute its unique qualities to different aspects of the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct advantages based on their choice of housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it does not require a specific force to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a light touch. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more tactile typing experience. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Koala at 67 grams and the Dustproof Brown at 65 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. When comparing the two, the Koala is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Dustproof Brown offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Koala and Dustproof Brown switches may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive and quicker typing experience, while others who prefer a longer travel distance may find switches with a 4 mm distance more comfortable to type on. Overall, the travel distance of these switches plays a significant role in the typing feel and can greatly affect the overall typing experience for the user.
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 Dustproof Brown 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 profile that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, information regarding the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics is not available. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump that is not overwhelming. In comparison, details about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch are unknown. The absence of information suggests that the typing experience may lack specific characteristics that are present in the Koala switch.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactile feedback and moderate sound profile, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced users. While the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors when choosing between the two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results depending on individual preferences and setup choices.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala is the way to go. Its stepped tactility and low-pitched sound profile make it a popular choice for those who want a tactile but not overly loud typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force without a pronounced bump, the Dustproof Brown may be more suitable for you. Both switches offer a polished, smooth typing experience, but the Dustproof Brown lacks the specific tactile characteristics of the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for keystroke feel and sound.
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