Durock Koala vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Koala and the Gateron Smoothie. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that offers a perfect balance for those who like a tactile feel without it being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility and a pronounced bump that doesn't cover the entire keystroke, the Koala provides a satisfying typing experience with a bit of resonance without being too noisy. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made of all-POM material, offering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Koala is categorized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff, the Smoothie is known for being buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Smoothie, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom materials. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a higher-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and muted sound profile, providing a different typing experience compared to nylon. While both materials offer similar deep sound profiles, the subtle differences between nylon and POM may appeal to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound quality.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gateron Smoothie offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences, they ultimately cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics and feel. Both switches provide high-quality housing materials that contribute to their overall performance, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM, both switches offer excellent options for customizing your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, with the bottom out force being unavailable. In this comparison, the Koala can be considered as the heavier switch due to its higher bottom out force, while the Smoothie is lighter in terms of actuation force. The actuation force of the Koala is not specified, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the 40-gram actuation force of the Smoothie. Both switches have their advantages, with the Koala providing a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Smoothie offers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch. While both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance, the Koala provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Smoothie. Gamers looking for a faster response time might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound signature, producing a deep and rich sound when pressed, yet still providing a dampened and subtle sound compared to other switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff attributes, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overpowering. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless, effortless, and uniform. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort while catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feel.
In conclusion, while the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience. The Koala excels in delivering a pronounced bump with a moderate sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing feel without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound and buttery smoothness, appealing to users seeking a lightweight and fluid typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preference for the typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, as well as a polished and accented feel, then the Durock Koala switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness with a light touch, and a buttery or silky feel, then the Gateron Smoothie switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
