Durock Koala vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Ocean both offer unique qualities to consider. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between a noticeable bump and a smooth keystroke. With its stepped tactility and low-pitched sound profile, the Koala provides a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is also a tactile switch, but it lacks any specific standout features. While the Koala offers a polished and accented typing experience, the Ocean remains more neutral in comparison. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This commonality in housing material ensures that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal when it comes to lighting effects.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Koala features a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound vibrations. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharpness of the top polycarbonate housing. On the other hand, the Ocean also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Koala. This means that both switches will provide users with a distinguishable typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
In terms of tactile feedback, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing material affects the sound upon key release. This means that the Durock Koala and the Outemu Ocean will exhibit differences in typing feel based on the properties of their respective top and bottom housing materials. While both switches offer similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housings, the variation in their nylon bottom housings contributes to a unique typing experience for users looking for distinctive sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, we can see some clear differences. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is listed as None. On the other hand, the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, and the bottom out force is unavailable. This means that the Koala is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Ocean. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ocean may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Koala may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile 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, users will experience the same distance traveled by the switch. This means that whether you choose the Koala or the Ocean, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch. So, while one may not be shorter or longer than the other, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile experience for keyboard users.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. The switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction due to either materials used or factory lubing. Additionally, the presence of prominent tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle makes it a suitable choice for those seeking a medium tactile switch. The stepped design also adds a unique feel to the keystrokes by incorporating two stages of feedback. Conversely, information about the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unavailable, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of both the Durock Koala and Outemu Ocean tactile switches differ in terms of sound and feel, individuals aiming for a moderate actuation force, smooth key travel, pronounced bump without complete keystroke span, and a middle ground between overwhelming and subtle tactility may find similar results with both switches. It's essential to consider personal preferences, typing habits, and intended use cases before deciding on the best tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and tactility that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a stepped tactility with a pronounced but not overpowering bump, the Durock Koala switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is quiet and provides a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Ocean switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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