Durock Koala vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between providing a satisfying tactile bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience with a smooth bottom-out feel. While the Koalas offer a pronounced bump and some resonance, the Silent Ink Blacks provide a cushiony bottom-out and minimal audio feedback. Each switch has its unique qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their typing preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Durock Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiffer, leading to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile. The top housing of both switches affects the key release sound, with the Koala's polycarbonate offering a more translucent option suitable for RGB lighting, while the Silent Ink Black provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Koala uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black incorporates a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the top housing with its pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While the bottom housing of both switches influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the nylon housing of the Koala creates a different sound profile compared to the Silent Ink Black's proprietary blend.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Durock Koala and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Koala creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound. On the other hand, the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointy and high-pitched sound, both in the top and bottom housings. Despite these differences, the switches ultimately provide similar results in terms of enhancing the typing experience through distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Koala has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Koala has a slightly lighter force of 67 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Durock Koala may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. The Gateron Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you choose the Koala or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect to experience a consistent travel distance when pressing down on the keys. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and feedback. Ultimately, the Durock Koala and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer users a consistent and reliable typing experience with their equal travel distances.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for environments that require minimal audio feedback. Both switches excel in different sound qualities, with the Koala delivering a unique low-pitched tone and the Silent Ink Black ensuring a more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility. The stepped tactility provides a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming, giving a polished and precise feel to each keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, with the Koala offering a more pronounced bump and the Silent Ink Black providing a cushiony bottom-out feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala excels in providing a low-pitched and polished typing experience with stepped tactility, while the Silent Ink Black stands out for its muted sound and silky smooth feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, whether you choose the Koala or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with excellent craftsmanship and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke and enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala is a great choice. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, opt for the Silent Ink Black. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a bit of resonance, go for the Koala, while the Silent Ink Black provides a muted typing experience. Ultimately, if you appreciate a polished and refined typing feel with a medium actuation force requirement, the Koala might be the switch for you, whereas the Silent Ink Black offers a silky smooth typing experience. Choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing needs.
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