Durock Koala vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB emerge as excellent choices for tactile enthusiasts, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala stands out for its notable stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump that delivers satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, making it ideal for those who enjoy a decisive yet not overly forceful typing experience. Its low-pitched resonance ensures a pleasant auditory profile, striking a balance between being engaging and discreet. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB distinguishes itself by combining a rich "thock" sound upon bottoming out with a softly muted topping out, creating an exquisite soundscape for users who appreciate a refined auditory experience alongside a sharp tactile response. Ultimately, while both switches cater to tactile preferences, they do so in distinctly different ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, notable differences are evident in both the top and bottom housings. The Durock Koala utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper and more defined sound profile. This quality is particularly advantageous for those using RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for enhanced visual effects. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB opts for a proprietary blend known as "boba plastic" for its top housing, which, while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, contributes to a deeper and richer sound profile due to its softer properties. Thus, while both switches accommodate RGB lighting well, the material employed in the Koala leads to a crisper sound, whereas the U4Tx RGB produces a more muted tone.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a contrast between the Koala's nylon and the U4Tx RGB's proprietary Gazzew blend. The nylon used in the Koala’s bottom housing is a classic plastic known for generating a fuller and deeper sound, primarily due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. This attributes to a rounder auditory experience, particularly noticeable when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB features the same proprietary blend for its bottom housing, reinforcing its reputation for delivering a rich and deep sound profile. Both materials emphasize a softer sound experience; however, nylon generally is more recognized for producing a warmer tone compared to the boba plastic.

In terms of sound profile and overall typing experience, the combination of materials in each switch influences how they feel and sound during use. In the case of the Koala, the stiffer polycarbonate top brings clarity, while the nylon bottom provides depth. For the U4Tx RGB, the softer characteristics of both the top and bottom housing contribute to a consistently rich auditory experience. Even with their differing materials, users can achieve a satisfying sound and feel. The split qualities of the housing materials mean that while the switches will produce unique auditory experiences, they may yield similar satisfaction depending on individual preferences for sound clarity versus warmth. Ultimately, personal preference will guide users toward the switch that best fits their desired typing and sound experience.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, both switches exhibit an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to assess their responsiveness in terms of key actuation. However, they do have distinct bottom out forces; the Koala switch bottoms out at 67 grams, while the U4Tx RGB bottoms out at a slightly lighter 65 grams. This means that, although both switches provide a medium-heavy feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is marginally lighter than the Durock Koala. For users who favor lighter switches for longevity during typing or gaming, the U4Tx RGB might be the preferred choice. Conversely, the Koala's heavier bottom out may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both are in the medium-heavy category, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the lighter option, offering a subtly different experience for users based on their force preferences.

Travel distance

The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance affects the overall feel and response of each switch. The Koala's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which many users prefer for a fuller typing experience, while the U4Tx's 3.6 mm travel distance slightly enhances responsiveness, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize quick keypress reactions. If you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback during use, the Durock Koala would be the better choice; however, if you seek quicker actuation, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides that benefit with its shorter distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy yet mellow tone that is neither overly loud nor disruptive. This balance makes them versatile for various environments, whether at a home office or in a more public setting. The sound from the Koala switches does offer a bit of resonance, adding to the auditory experience without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is noted for its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out combined with a quieter topping-out sound, suggesting a sophisticated acoustic quality that supports a luxurious typing experience. While both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience, the U4Tx emphasizes a refined sound with its depth significant during typing.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out with a polished texture that ensures smooth key travel, resulting from either high-quality materials or factory lubrication. The stepped tactility provides a medium-level tactile feedback, which is accentuated, giving users a satisfying yet not overwhelming sensation during each keystroke. This characteristic allows for a distinct sense of progression in the pressing action that many typists may find appealing. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch are not provided, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect; however, it is implied that the switch also offers a pleasant tactile experience with its sharp tactile bump, adding a luxurious touch.

In conclusion, both the Durock Koala and Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches present compelling options for newcomers to mechanical keyboards, with their respective sound and feel characteristics offering different typing experiences. The Koala switches provide a more subdued acoustic profile and a balanced, polished feel that is versatile for different settings. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB appeals through its deeper auditory quality and a tactile bump designed for a luxurious experience. Individually, they cater to different preferences, yet both types can provide satisfying results based on personal typing style and environment.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you're looking for tactile feedback that is pronounced yet not overwhelming, the Koala is an excellent choice, thanks to its stepped tactility that strikes a balance between a satisfying bump and a comfortable keystroke, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The polished feel and low-pitched sound profile contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience, perfect for those who appreciate a punchy yet mellow response. On the other hand, if you prioritize a refined auditory experience combined with strong tactile feedback, the U4Tx RGB may be your go-to switch. Its deep “thock” sound and sharper tactile bump provide a luxurious typing experience, perfect for users who prefer quieter keystrokes without compromising on tactility. Ultimately, if aesthetics and a sound-optimized environment—especially with RGB lighting—are key factors for you, the U4Tx RGB aligns well with those needs. In the end, both switches offer medium-heavy actuation forces and tactile satisfaction, leaving you with a choice that highlights your personal preference more than any significant technical differences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more