Durock Koala vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Durock Koala tactile switch strikes a balance, offering a pronounced yet subtle bump that delivers just the right amount of feedback without overwhelming the typist. Its stepped tactility and low-pitched resonance create an engaging typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a tactile response without excessive noise. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, provides an entirely different experience. With its medium-weight construction and a smooth feel, this switch focuses on a clean keystroke, characterized by a satisfying "thock" sound with every key press. The Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for users seeking a quieter alternative that emphasizes fluidity and speed, making it a strong candidate for gamers and fast typists alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Koala features a polycarbonate top, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound. This quality translates into a crisper auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM top housing, which offers a more muted and deeper sound profile. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound is described as unique and pleasing, the difference in materials results in a notable variation; polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness, whereas POM leans toward a subdued tonality.
Despite the differences in the top housings, both the Koala and Sea Salt Smoothie feature POM for their bottom housings, which introduces a layer of similarity in their performance. The nylon bottom housing of the Koala produces a fuller sound profile that is deeper and rounder, while the POM bottom on the Sea Salt Smoothie also contributes to a deeper, muted sound. This could imply that the deeper sound characteristics are consistent across both switches but manifested differently due to the distinctive qualities of the top housings. Consequently, although they differ in construction, both switches aim to provide satisfying acoustic feedback through their bottom materials.
When considering the cumulative effects of these housing materials, the overall sound and typing experience can be influenced by the interplay of the top and bottom housings. Given that the Koala’s polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and brightness while its nylon bottom softens the sound, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom complements its already muted top, users aiming for specific auditory experiences can achieve similar satisfying results despite the differences in composition. The combination of different materials can effectively create a diverse range of typing sensations—ranging from the bright and crisp to the muted and deep—making both switches appealing for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Koala's actuation force is unknown, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's actuation force is 48 grams, making the Sea Salt Smoothie the lighter option between the two. In terms of bottom out forces, the Koala features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is also unknown. This means that, while we can ascertain that the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed for a lighter touch, the overall typing experience, particularly when bottoming out, will vary depending on preferences for heavier or unknown force switches. Those who favor a lighter typing session for extended use may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while enthusiasts looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the Koala, especially considering its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the differences in identified actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinctive tactile experiences offered by these two switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Koala the longer travel option, offering a more pronounced key press that some users might find preferable for a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter 3.7 mm travel, lends itself to quicker and more responsive typing, which can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize speed. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Koala’s longer distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie's shorter distance could be ideal for users who favor rapid actuation without feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the hearty depth of the Koala or the snappy responsiveness of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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, neutral tone that resonates softly without being overly loud. This sound profile is often described as having a mellow quality, making it a suitable choice for both home and office environments. The tonality complements the tactile feedback of the switch, creating an inviting auditory experience that is neither harsh nor overly pronounced. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a thocky sound profile, renowned for its deeper resonance. This quality likely contributes to a rich auditory experience, although specific descriptors were not provided. Both switches emphasize a sound that enhances the overall typing experience and might be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala excels with its polished and accentuated tactile profile. The stepped tactility offers a distinct tactile bump that is significant without being overwhelming, allowing typists to enjoy a rewarding keystroke. Its polished nature ensures smooth key travel, reducing friction for a refined typing experience. Additionally, the stiffness of the Koala requires more force to actuate, which can appeal to users who prefer a firmer feel under their fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving some unknowns about its tactile qualities. However, Gateron switches often emphasize smoothness, which may provide a pleasing contrast to the Koala’s more tactile nature.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch delivers a unique combination of sound and feel, offering a low-pitched sound profile, pronounced yet manageable tactility, and a polished typing experience, while requiring a bit more force for actuation. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while known for its thocky sound and smoothness, leaves some questions regarding its tactile feedback. When selecting between these two, enthusiasts may find that sound and feel preferences ultimately dictate the best choice, and while there are differing attributes, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and personal preferences. If you appreciate a rich tactile experience that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, the Koala would be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and stepped tactility provide a satisfying, pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming. The low-pitched sound profile adds to the experience, enhancing the overall feel while maintaining a level of discretion that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky-smooth typing experience with a focus on speed and minimal resistance, the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed for you. Its all-POM construction ensures smooth key travel, while the thocky sound profile offers an engaging auditory feedback that many users find appealing. Whether you're a gamer seeking rapid actuation or a typist looking for ease and comfort, the Sea Salt Smoothie allows for swift keystrokes without the distraction of pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual needs: opt for the Koala if tactile response is paramount, and choose the Sea Salt Smoothie if you favor fluidity and speed in your typing.
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