Durock Koala vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, it becomes clear that each offers unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Koalas are a perfect choice for those who desire satisfying tactile feedback without an overwhelming noise level. With a stepped tactility and a pronounced bump, these switches provide a balanced typing experience characterized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switches are known for their clicky sound without a tactile bump, offering a different typing sensation. Despite being categorized as a clicky switch, they are popular for those who enjoy the crisp sound of each keystroke. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Milk Blue use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar sound profile when using either switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Milk Blue use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel.
While both switches share similarities in their choice of top and bottom housing materials, the differences in sound profiles created by these materials can be attributed to their unique properties. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for users to experience distinct qualities depending on whether they are pressing down on the switch or releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Durock Koala and Outemu Milk Blue contributes to a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Koala has a bottom-out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel, whereas the Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, offering a lighter initial push. This makes the Milk Blue more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling longer typing sessions or gaming periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Koala is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. While they both provide different levels of force, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and typing experience if they choose the switch that aligns with their preferred weight preference.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Koala or the Milk Blue, you can expect a consistent and familiar feel in terms of the distance the switch travels. This makes them both great options for individuals who prefer a moderate amount of travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Milk Blue 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, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound profile. Please note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that it provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming, a two-stage tactile feel with pre-travel and post-travel, and a higher amount of force required to actuate and bottom-out. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific information available regarding its tactile feel.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a balanced tactile experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, low-pitched and neutral sound profile, polished and accented feel with a stepped and stiff design. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's subjective qualities remain unknown. If you enjoy the qualities of the Koala, you may experience similar results with the Milk Blue, but it's always best to try out the switches yourself to determine which one suits your preferences the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it's important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile bump that is not too aggressive, the Koala switches could be the perfect fit for you. They offer a polished and accented tactile feel with a lower-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a lighter actuation force and a more pronounced audible feedback, the Milk Blue switches might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and how you want your typing experience to feel and sound. So, take these factors into consideration when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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