Durock Koala vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Outemu Tom both offer compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Durock Koala stands out for its balanced feel, providing a satisfying bump without being overwhelming. Known for its polished, low-pitched, and neutral characteristics, the Koala offers a stepped tactility that enhances typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom may not have specific standout features, but its simplicity could appeal to those who prefer a straightforward tactile switch. 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
3.30 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
Both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Tom feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings of these switches results in a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for users who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. Overall, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a premium sound experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Durock Koala features a nylon bottom housing while the Outemu Tom also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the impact of the housing on the overall typing experience may vary based on the switch design and construction.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Tom share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing materials, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The top housing material primarily influences the sound when pressing down or letting go of a key, while the bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Outemu Tom will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Durock Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Outemu Tom has an actuation force of 55 grams, but a bottom out force is not provided. This means that the Koala is heavier in terms of bottoming out, while the Tom has a lighter actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Tom may be the better choice, as its actuation force is lower. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Durock Koala's heavier bottom out force may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Tom's 3.3 mm. The Koala offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Tom's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Koala offering a deeper keypress and the Tom providing a quicker typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for travel distance.
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 Tom 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 tone that is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a pleasant typing experience that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, both switches are influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, which can impact the overall sound produced.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is acclaimed for its polished and accented tactile experience, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with a moderate amount of tactility. The stepped tactile sensation of the Koala provides a distinctive typing experience with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel stages. Additionally, the Koala is known for its stiff key press, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. Conversely, there is no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Outemu Tom tactile switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a low-pitched and polished tactile experience with a pronounced bump and stiff key press, the qualities of the Tom switch remain unknown. It is worth noting that individual preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is best suited to a user's typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and features, and depending on the user's preferences, they could potentially yield similar results in terms of sound and feel. As an expert, I recommend trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Koala and the Outemu Tom tactile switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump but not overwhelming tactility, the Durock Koala would be a great choice for you. The Koalas provide a smooth and polished typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and are looking for a more neutral typing experience, the Outemu Tom may be the better option for you. Keep in mind that the Tom switches have not been described in terms of feel or sound, so it may be more of a mystery as to what to expect. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences, desired tactile feedback, and sound profile when making your decision between these two tactile switches.
Mentioned in this article
