Durock Koala vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, offer unique features to suit different preferences. The Koalas are a perfect choice for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile bump without being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility, these switches provide a distinct bump without being too loud, making them ideal for users who want a noticeable feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switches are known for their clicky sound and crisp tactile feedback. Although not accompanied by any particular feature, these switches are perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced and audible typing experience. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Gold, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the visual appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both the Koala and Gold switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of these switches, the Durock Koala features a nylon material while the Outemu Gold also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Therefore, users typing on switches with nylon bottom housings can expect a different tactile experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings.
Overall, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Gold switches highlight the impact of different housing materials on sound profiles and tactile experiences. While both switches share the benefit of polycarbonate top housings for creating crisp and resonant sounds, they diverge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The Koala's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Gold's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter compared to the Gold switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Koala requires 67 grams, which is heavier than the Gold switch's 60 grams. This means that the Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Gold switch offers a lighter actuation force for easier keystrokes. Both switches provide a different typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer either lighter or heavier forces for their keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance before the switch actuates. This consistency in travel distance can result in a similar typing experience for users who prefer either switch. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring a familiar feel for typists regardless of their choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch.
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 Gold 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 suitable for various settings. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with a distinct yet manageable amount of tactility. The stepped design of the switch provides a unique sensation of pre-travel and/or post-travel, while the stiffness requires a higher force to actuate, offering a different typing feel. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch are not provided.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced bump but not overly loud, the Durock Koala may be the perfect choice. With its polished and accented feel, coupled with a low-pitched sound profile, it offers a balanced typing experience for those seeking a middle ground between tactile feedback and sound level. While information on the Outemu Gold clicky switch is lacking, based on the available information, one can expect a unique typing experience with potentially different sound and feel characteristics compared to the Durock Koala. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Koala tactile switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a pronounced bump without being too loud, then the Koala is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Gold may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for – whether it's a smooth and refined feel with a bit of resonance or a clicky and satisfying sound with moderate actuation force. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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