Durock Koala vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Maple Leaf are two popular options to consider, both falling under the tactile switch category. The Durock Koala is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without an overwhelming amount of force required. with a stepped tactility and a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the koalas offer a balanced typing experience with a bit of resonance to enhance the overall feel. on the other hand, the outemu maple leaf lacks any specific standout features but provides a straightforward tactile feedback. While the koala is described as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, stiff, the maple leaf's characteristics are less defined. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Outemu Maple Leaf both have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in material stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon affects the resonance and clarity of the sound produced. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Koala switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Maple Leaf utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of the brand, switches with nylon bottom housing will offer a similar typing experience with a focus on sound quality. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Maple Leaf impact the sound profile and typing experience of the switches in distinct ways. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience focused on sound quality. Understanding the differences in housing materials can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force. However, the Durock Koala has a unique feature with an actuation force of None grams, which means there is no specific force required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams. This slight difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. In terms of weight preference, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Durock Koala, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Maple Leaf. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy a bit of resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Koala has a longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, with the Koala offering a more traditional feel and the Maple Leaf catering to those who prefer a shallower key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Maple Leaf 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 switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. This results in a soothing typing experience that is suitable for various purposes, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with just the right amount of tactility, providing a satisfying keystroke without being overly aggressive. In contrast, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. Nevertheless, based on the characteristics of the Durock Koala switch, it is likely that the Maple Leaf switch would offer a similar level of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Outemu Maple Leaf switches both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Koala stands out for its balanced tactility and moderate sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various typing needs. While specific information on the Maple Leaf switch is lacking, it can be inferred that it may offer a comparable typing experience based on the characteristics of the Koala. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and tactile feedback. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a stepped tactility with a smooth and refined finish, the Durock Koala switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with no specific tactile features mentioned, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch will offer you the best experience for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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