Durock Koala vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Koala and Gateron Quinn are both popular tactile mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Koala provides a comfortable middle ground with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm, giving a satisfying feel with a bit of resonance. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a crisp and light tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. While the Koala is categorized as polished, low-pitched, and stepped, the Quinn is known for being snappy, bassy, and buttery. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Quinn, both switches feature a top housing made of nylon. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic material. However, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Quinn. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Overall, the material differences in the top housing of these switches will lead to slightly varied sound experiences for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Koala and the Gateron Quinn use nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This means that when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While the bottom housing material is the same for both switches, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will differ slightly between the Koala and the Quinn. This difference may be subtle, but it can contribute to the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
Overall, the Durock Koala and the Gateron Quinn offer slightly different sound profiles due to their housing materials. While both switches feature a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound profile compared to the Quinn. Additionally, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings for a duller and rounder sound, but the impact of the bottom housing on the typing experience may vary slightly between the two. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality, but the specific characteristics of each switch's housing materials will lead to subtle differences in sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Quinn's 59 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force of None grams, making them equal in that aspect. The difference in bottom out force means that the Koala would provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Quinn. For those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Koala may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Quinn more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Koala offers a longer travel distance compared to the Quinn, providing a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper switch travel. In contrast, the Quinn offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Quinn being on the shorter end and the Koala being more traditional. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound profile, resulting in a deeper and richer sound that adds character to the typing experience. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Koala is more subdued and neutral, while the Quinn is more immersive and resonant.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as having a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel, ensuring a responsive and springy typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Each switch offers a different tactile experience, with the Koala focusing on a balanced tactility and the Quinn delivering a lively and smooth typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Gateron Quinn switches each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Koala offers a more understated and balanced experience, while the Quinn provides a more immersive and lively typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the Koala's neutral and polished profile or the Quinn's resonant and snappy characteristics. Both switches offer high-quality tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force that provides a noticeable but not overpowering bump, as well as a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Durock Koala may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility, a rich and resonant sound profile, and a polished, snappy, and buttery feel, then the Gateron Quinn could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.
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