Durock Koala vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the specific characteristics of each switch to determine which one best suits your typing style. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is renowned for its perfect balance of tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. Its stepped tactility offers a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke feel. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, a linear switch, lacks any tactile feedback but provides a consistent and smooth typing experience. While the Koala is described as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff', the Silver falls into the undefined category. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a bit of resonance, the Koala may be the switch 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
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 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, providing a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Both switches benefit from these properties, offering a satisfying auditory experience for users.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Koala and Silver utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This creates a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Durock Koala and Outemu Silver differ, they each offer distinct advantages to the typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced sound profile when typing. The bottom housing influences the sound and feel of pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Ultimately, both switches benefit from the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, providing users with a satisfying and distinctive typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Koala is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Silver's 65 grams. The actuation force of the Silver is also lighter at 45 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. This means that the Silver switch will provide a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, making it easier to trigger keypresses. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force, offering a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired amount of force required for keypresses.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear 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 from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience with either switch will be consistent in terms of the distance the keys travel. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Koala or the smooth linear feel of the Silver, you can rest assured that the travel distance will be the same for both switches.
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 Silver 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, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate yet noticeable bump in tactility. This combination of characteristics provides a unique typing experience that balances tactile feedback with smooth key travel. Information on the Outemu Silver linear switch's feel is not provided at this time, so direct comparisons in this aspect cannot be made.
Considering the information available, it is clear that the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a distinct combination of features that cater to those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate sound profile. However, without information on the Outemu Silver linear switch's qualities, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches. If the sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Silver linear switch are similar to those of the Durock Koala, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a moderate actuation force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Koala may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force but without the tactile feedback, the Silver could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific feel and sound profile you prefer in a keyboard switch.
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