Durock Koala vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Gazzew U4Tx are two popular options to choose from. The Durock Koala offers a perfect balance for those who desire tactile feedback without an overwhelming keystroke. With a stepped tactility and pronounced bump, the Koala provides a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best of both worlds by offering a cleaner, refined sound profile. The U4Tx switches deliver a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, creating a luxurious typing experience. Each press on the U4Tx provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx has a proprietary plastic blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. This difference in material leads to a distinct typing experience, with the Koala emphasizing clarity and resonance while the U4Tx focuses on depth and richness in sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Koala utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing shares the same softness as its top housing counterpart, delivering a similar rich and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles driven by the properties of their respective housing materials.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are crucial in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. While the Durock Koala and Gazzew U4Tx may have different housing materials, their overall goal is to provide a unique typing experience with a focus on sound quality. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Koala or the deep richness of the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx, both switches offer distinct options for those seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see that the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the U4Tx with a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but based on the bottom out force, we can assume that the Koala may require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the U4Tx. This means that the Koala would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer heavier forces, while the U4Tx would be a lighter option, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Koala has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the U4Tx's 3.6 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can make a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Koala's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter keystroke, which can appeal to users looking for quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and speed.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx features a bassy and muted sound, offering a deeper and richer sound profile along with a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique acoustical characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Koala focusing on a balanced tone while the U4Tx emphasizes a deeper and more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala is polished, accented, stepped, and slightly stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The Gazzew U4Tx, on the other hand, provides a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity, ensuring a distinct and crisp tactile response with each keypress. While the Koala strikes a balance between smooth key travel and tactile feedback, the U4Tx delivers a more intense and pronounced tactile sensation for users who enjoy a sharper typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Koala and Gazzew U4Tx switches both offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Koala provides a balanced and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the U4Tx delivers a sharper tactile feedback and a bassy, muted sound. Whether you prefer a softer and mellow typing experience or a more intense tactile feedback, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard with switches that suit their individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but either option is sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a cleaner, refined sound profile featuring a deep, bassy "thock" when bottoming out and a muted, quieter sound when topping out, along with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, then the U4Tx could be the switch for you. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and acoustic desires for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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