Durock Koala vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come into consideration are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Yellow Silver, a linear switch. The Koalas are renowned for their perfect balance of satisfying tactility without being too overwhelming, thanks to a stepped tactility that provides a noticeable bump without extending throughout the entire keystroke. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is highly favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for individuals who value speediness and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience. While both switches have their own unique strengths and characteristics, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and specific use cases. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Outemu Yellow Silver, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. With both switches sharing this top housing material, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits when it comes to lighting effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material for the Koala is nylon, while the Yellow Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastic materials, as it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the qualities of nylon being evident in the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback of the switches.
Overall, while the top housing material of polycarbonate is the same for both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Yellow Silver, the differences in their bottom housing material may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, with the combination of materials contributing to their unique sound profiles. Whether you choose the Koala or the Yellow Silver, you can expect a high-quality switch with distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams, making the Koala a medium-heavy switch and the Yellow Silver a medium-light switch. The actuation force of the Koala is not specified, while the Yellow Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Yellow Silver requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Koala, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch can greatly affect typing feel and feedback, as well as actuation force. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. This means that whether you choose the Durock Koala or the Outemu Yellow Silver, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is not too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes without being overly distracting. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience without any extreme sound characteristics, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience during your typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its polished and accented feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility. The stepped design of the Koala switch provides a unique tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming but still noticeable. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is unknown, but based on its light actuation force, it is likely to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience without any tactile feedback. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to users who prefer varying levels of feedback in their keystrokes.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Koala has a more pronounced tactile feedback and a low-pitched sound profile, the Yellow Silver provides a smooth and neutral typing experience with a light actuation force. Depending on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that are worth considering. By understanding your preferences and needs, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enhances your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver would be more suitable, especially if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, tactility, and sound profile. Choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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