Durock Koala vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Gazzew U4T are two popular options in the tactile switch category. The Durock Koala is known for its balanced tactile experience, providing a noticeable bump without overwhelming the keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a unique combination of a bassy thock sound and sharp tactility, giving users both auditory and tactile satisfaction. While the Koala is categorized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff, the U4T is categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp. If you're looking for a tactile switch that strikes a middle ground in terms of tactility, the Koala is a great choice. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with a satisfying sound profile, the U4T may be the better option. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to other materials. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Koala focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the U4T offers a deeper and fuller sound experience with its unique plastic blend. Both switches are designed to enhance the sound quality of typing, but they achieve this goal through different material compositions.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Durock Koala uses a nylon housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also aims to deliver a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Koala's nylon housing absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound, the U4T's unique plastic blend works to achieve a similar effect with its soft and absorbing qualities. Overall, both switches prioritize sound quality through their choice of materials for the bottom housing.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom of a switch significantly impacts the sound and feel when typing. The Durock Koala and Gazzew U4T take different approaches to enhance sound quality, with the Koala using polycarbonate and nylon for a sharper and deeper sound experience, while the U4T utilizes a proprietary plastic blend for a rich and deep sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience by selecting materials that complement each other to produce unique sound profiles. Whether one prefers the sharpness of polycarbonate or the richness of a proprietary blend, both switches offer distinct characteristics to cater to different sound preferences.

Weight

The Durock Koala and Gazzew U4T tactile switches both have similar bottom out forces, with the Koala being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the U4T's 65 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare them in this aspect. However, it is safe to assume that they both provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force. When considering weight, the Koala may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke for a more substantial typing feel, while the U4T may be a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences. This similarity in travel distance suggests that the tactile feedback and overall feel of the switches will also be comparable. Thus, whether using the Durock Koala or Gazzew U4T tactile switch, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Koala offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that provides a more mellow tone and moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses with a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a lower-pitched mellow sound or a deeper, richer thocky sound.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala provides a polished, accented, and stepped tactile experience with reduced friction, smooth key travel, a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, and a two-stage tactile feel that includes some pre-travel and/or post-travel. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T offers a sharp tactile feedback with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each key press. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Koala focusing on a more refined and polished feel, while the U4T emphasizes a high-intensity tactile bump.

In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Gazzew U4T tactile switches offer different sound and feel profiles to cater to varying preferences. The Koala provides a balanced, neutral sound with a polished and stepped tactile feel, while the U4T offers a bassy, thocky sound with a sharp tactile feedback. Choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a mellow sound with a medium tactility or a deep, rich sound with a strong tactile bump. Both switches are high-quality choices that will provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar levels of performance and satisfaction regardless of your selection.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between Durock Koala and Gazzew U4T tactile switches, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams and a medium-heavy tactile bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Durock Koala may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force of 65 grams and a sharp, bassy tactile bump that provides a thocky sound profile, the Gazzew U4T could be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your preferred typing experience and sound preference to enhance your overall keyboarding satisfaction.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more