Durock Koala vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Koalas strike a perfect balance for those who enjoy a tactile response without it being overwhelming. With a pronounced bump that doesn't extend throughout the entire keystroke, they deliver a satisfying feel with a touch of resonance, all while maintaining a relatively low pitch. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch remains silent and lacks any specific standout feature. If you're looking for a switch that provides a subtle yet noticeable tactile feedback, the Koala may be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent Ocean both use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. In terms of sound profile, both switches benefit from the acoustical properties of polycarbonate, delivering a satisfying typing experience for users.

While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings differ in material. The Durock Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some users may prefer for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on sound absorption for a more muted sound profile. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles.

When considering the overall typing experience, the different housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance between impact and sound when typing on either switch. The bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel is complemented by the top housing's impact on the sound upon key release. Ultimately, whether users prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer a variety of options to cater to individual preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we find that the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Koala slightly heavier. However, the actuation force of the Silent Ocean is 45 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is not specified, indicating that the Silent Ocean requires less force to trigger a keystroke. The Koala offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Silent Ocean falls into the same category. When considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Ocean for prolonged typing sessions, whereas individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Koala for a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with slight variations in weight preferences.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the depth of key presses with both switches. In comparison to other switches with shorter travel distances, these switches may provide a slightly deeper keystroke, which can be preferred by some users for a more tactile or satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether using the Durock Koala or the Outemu Silent Ocean, users can expect a consistent travel distance that allows for comfortable and efficient typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound qualities are not known, so it's difficult to compare directly. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff characteristics. The polished finish and factory lubing result in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The accented tactility provides a medium level of tactile feedback that strikes a balance between subtlety and intensity, while the stepped design offers a two-stage tactile feel with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel. Additionally, the switch requires a higher actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stiffer typing experience. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is unknown, so it's challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile qualities.

Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Koala switch excels in providing a balanced tactile experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the features of the Silent Ocean switch remain a mystery. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile bump and moderate sound or if you prefer a silent linear switch with unknown qualities. Keep in mind that both switches may yield similar results depending on your setup, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced bump in your keystrokes and prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala may be the ideal choice for you. The Koala offers a polished, accented, and stepped tactile feel, making it suitable for those who desire a balanced tactility without being too extreme. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the Silent Ocean linear switch may be more suitable. The Silent Ocean is known for its neutral sound profile and is well-suited for various typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel when selecting the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more