Durock Koala vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch with the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is easy to see the distinct differences between the two. The Koala is praised for its balanced tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Silent White is characterized by its smooth and silent keystrokes, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Koala is 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff', the Silent White falls into a category of its own. Both switches have their unique features and reasons for choosing them. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent White switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Koala uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The Silent White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a similar deeper and fuller sound experience.
The contrasting factor between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. While both use nylon for their bottom housings, the impact of this material differs between the Koala and the Silent White. The Koala's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, affecting the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound, but the specific feel and sound produced may vary slightly from the Koala. Despite this difference, both switches benefit from the unique properties that nylon brings to their bottom housings.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Durock Koala and the Outemu Silent White opt for polycarbonate top housings, the use of nylon in their bottom housings showcases slight variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch contributes to a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences and preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, while the Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that the Silent White requires a lighter initial force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Koala has a heavier force of 67 grams compared to the Silent White's 60 grams, making the Koala switch more substantial when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent White due to its lower actuation force, while individuals seeking a heavier and more tactile typing feel may opt for the Durock Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm travel distance. This means that the Koala offers a more significant keypress depth, which can appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Silent White's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, with the Koala providing a deeper press and the Silent White allowing for a faster keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent White comes in at $3.10 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 is known for producing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that users can expect a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience. These qualities translate into a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction, medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, a mild tactile sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages, and a higher actuation force requirement. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch remains undisclosed.
Considering the available information, the Durock Koala tactile switch emerges as a versatile option for users who appreciate a pronounced bump without excessive noise. With a unique stepped tactility and satisfying keystrokes, these switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's qualities are less clear, making it difficult to directly compare to the Koala. Ultimately, individuals seeking a tactile switch with specific sound and feel preferences would likely find the Durock Koala to be a reliable choice for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should choose the Koala if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump but not overly loud sound. The Koalas are ideal for those who want a switch that packs a punch without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Silent White may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for tactility and sound profile.
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