Durock Koala vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Koala and the Outemu Purple, both belonging to the tactile switch category. The Durock Koala is favored for its unique stepped tactility, offering a pronounced bump in each keystroke without being overbearing. This switch strikes a perfect balance for those seeking a tactile experience that packs a punch but remains refined and not overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is known for its smooth keystrokes but lacks specific characteristics in terms of tactility or sound. While the Koala is described as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff', the Purple does not have any specific categorizations. Each switch has its own strengths and considerations, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
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
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
The Durock Koala and Outemu Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches if RGB lighting is a priority. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
While both the Koala and Purple switches feature similar housing materials in their top and bottom halves, the differences in material characteristics contribute to unique typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of each switch provides a distinct sound profile when pressing down on a key, while the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. These distinctions in material properties offer users the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their preference, whether they prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller one.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Outemu Purple switches showcase the impact of housing materials on typing sound and feel. The utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while nylon in the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound experience. The combination of these materials in each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel. Whether one prefers a sharper sound with a polycarbonate top housing or a duller sound with a nylon bottom housing, both switches provide distinct qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Durock Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Koala is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Purple, but the actuation force of the Purple is lighter than that of the Koala. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and how they value actuation and bottom out forces in a tactile switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feel and actuation point, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. Whether you choose the Koala or the Purple switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Purple 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
The Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various preferences and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to compare. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Koala is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility and key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Purple switch remains a mystery, leaving a gap in comparison. In conclusion, if you prioritize a switch with a stepped tactility, pronounced bump, low-pitched sound, and polished feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch would be an excellent choice. However, if these qualities are not essential to you, both switches could potentially offer similar results depending on personal preference and usage requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala and Outemu Purple tactile switches, consider the bottom out force and tactile feel you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and are looking for a different tactile experience, you might want to explore the Purple. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs for the optimal keyboard experience.
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