Durock Koala vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Outemu Silent Grey are two popular options to consider. The Durock Koala is known for its perfect balance of tactility without being too overwhelming, providing a pronounced bump that doesn't cover the entire keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a smooth keystroke and pronounced bump. While the Koala is described as having a polished, low-pitched, and stepped tactility, the Silent Grey is praised for being silent and satisfying. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Koala has a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Grey.
While both switches have differences in their top and bottom housings, they both share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing for a sharper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for an aesthetically pleasing option when using RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Koala offers a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Grey. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that may be preferred by some users for a more tactile typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent Grey will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch allows for a unique combination of sharpness and depth in sound. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that there are some differences between the two. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, which means it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams and 65 grams respectively, making them both medium-heavy in terms of how much force is needed to press all the way down. In terms of weight, the Silent Grey is lighter with a lower actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Koala offers a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both switches. The tactile feedback and typing experience may differ between the two switches, but the travel distance remains consistent. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect.
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 Silent Grey 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience. This means that you can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for a variety of settings and users. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is designed to provide a quiet typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, presents a two-stage tactile feel, and requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch's feel is not mentioned, so it is unknown how it compares to the Koala in terms of these subjective qualities.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a pronounced bump with a slightly resonant sound, the Durock Koala may be the way to go. However, if you desire a quieter typing experience with highly tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey could be a suitable option. Both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump without being overly loud, the Durock Koala is a great option. The Koala's medium-heavy bottom out force and stepped tactility offer a balanced typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch might be more suitable for you. With its slightly lower bottom out force and smooth keystrokes, the Silent Grey is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Koala and Outemu Silent Grey switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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