Durock Koala vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Green offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance for those who enjoy a noticeable bump in their keystrokes without being too overwhelming. With its stepped tactility and pronounced bump, the Koala provides a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch that offers a traditional click sound with each keystroke. While the Dustproof Green may not have as much of a distinct profile as the Koala, it still provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Polycarbonate
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
The housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches share the same polycarbonate material for their top housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. Therefore, in terms of sound quality and visual presentation, users can expect similar results from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
While both the Koala and the Dustproof Green switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in the material of their bottom housings. The Koala features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar characteristics in creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastic materials. This common choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with enhanced sound profiles.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall performance of a switch, it becomes clear that the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches maintain a balance in their housing materials. The qualities of polycarbonate in the top housing contribute to the sound when pressing and releasing a key, while the characteristics of nylon in the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the difference in their bottom housings, users can expect a harmonious blend of sharp, resonant sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, fuller tones from the nylon bottom housing in both the Koala and Dustproof Green switches.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch requires a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in terms of typing pressure. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams, putting it in the heavy category. The actuation force of the Koala is unknown, while the Dustproof Green has an actuation force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Green may make it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Koala, but both switches will result in a similar medium-heavy or heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing pressure and the desired feel while typing.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and response from both switches when typing or gaming. The 4 mm travel distance allows for comfortable and efficient use, making them suitable options for those who prefer a standard key press depth. In conclusion, while both switches may have different tactile and clicky characteristics, their travel distance remains the same, resulting in a comparable typing experience for users.
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 Green 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, offers a medium amount of tactility, provides a mild bump sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, and requires a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the specific feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and a moderate sound profile that caters to users who enjoy a defined bump without excessive noise. The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks specific details on its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to directly compare to the Koala. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Durock Koala, it may be best to seek out switches with known characteristics such as stepped tactility and a low-pitched sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala would be a great choice with its 67-gram force. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, the Dustproof Green with an 80-gram force would be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala's stepped tactility would be appealing. Conversely, if you are looking for a switch with a specific sound profile or feel, it is important to note that more information is needed to make a direct comparison between the two switches in those aspects. Ultimately, the decision between the Koala and Dustproof Green switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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