Durock Koala vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Milk Peach offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that is highly regarded for its balanced feel, providing a noticeable bump without being too heavy-handed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. While the Koala is known for its polished, low-pitched, and accented keystrokes, the Milk Peach falls under a different category altogether. If you prefer a more pronounced response and a bit of resonance, the Koala might be the right choice for you. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Durock Koala and the Outemu Milk Peach both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, despite the similarities in material and sound profile, the unique design of each switch may still result in slightly different auditory experiences.
On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that the typing experience on switches with nylon bottom housings may feel different compared to those with polycarbonate bottom housings. While both the Koala and Milk Peach share this material in their bottom housings, the nuances in design and composition may still offer distinct tactile feedback to users.
When it comes to typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the Koala and Milk Peach switches can significantly impact the overall sound and feel. The qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the polycarbonate top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the unique characteristics of each material contributing to the overall feel of the switch. Ultimately, while both switches may share similar housing materials, the design and composition of each switch will still provide a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Milk Peach is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Koala will provide a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Milk Peach will allow for lighter typing, perfect for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Koala being heavier and the Milk Peach being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. The Koala's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those looking for a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Peach's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking to achieve.
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 Peach 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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala stands out for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overpowering, along with the feeling of two distinct stages during key presses. Additionally, the switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Peach switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a unique combination of attributes such as low-pitched sound, polished feel, and stepped tactility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience with a moderate level of resistance. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Peach switch remain unknown, users can expect different results based on the information available for the Koala switch. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, consider your preferences for key feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being too loud, the Koala may be the right choice for you. The Koala offers a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Milk Peach could be a suitable option. However, since there is no information available on the tactile feel and sound profile of the Milk Peach, make sure to research further or try out the switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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