Durock Koala vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, individuals often seek out specific traits to suit their typing preferences. Two popular options to consider are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, a linear switch. The Durock Koalas are a fantastic choice for typists who desire a tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. With a stepped tactility and a pronounced bump that doesn't extend throughout the entire keystroke, these switches offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches are known for their quiet operation, making them ideal for those who wish to type without disturbing others. While the Koalas boast descriptors such as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff', the Dustproof Silent Ocean switches are in a category of their own. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that are designed for RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches contributes to their aesthetic appeal as well as their performance.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which similarly gives off a deeper and fuller sound. This material choice impacts the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound profile, ultimately affecting the tactile feel and auditory feedback of each keystroke.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Koala or the Dustproof Silent Ocean, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite minor differences in their bottom housings, both switches ultimately offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by their choice of housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we see that the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, slightly heavier than the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 65 grams. However, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Koala's unknown actuation force. This means that the Dustproof Silent Ocean may provide a lighter initial keypress, while the Koala offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range of forces, providing a balance of typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may prefer the Koala.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's 3.3 mm. The Koala offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, better suited for gaming. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference. Gamers may lean towards the Dustproof Silent Ocean for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to the individual's preference for travel distance and typing 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to compare to the Koala in this aspect. When it comes to the overall typing experience, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. These qualities contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent but not overwhelming tactile bump, offering a satisfying keypress sensation. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison with the Koala in terms of tactile feedback and keypress experience.
Considering the available information, it can be said that the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a unique combination of a pronounced tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a moderate sound level. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch remain unknown, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the Koala in terms of sound and feel. If the Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch offers similar qualities to the Koala, such as a smooth keypress and a subdued sound profile, users can expect a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch choice will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're someone who prefers a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, then the Durock Koala tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a linear switch with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force but without any specific tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and what feels most comfortable to you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so be sure to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your final choice.
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