The Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile and Durock Koala switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the tactile breed. They both feature POM stem material, standard stem shape, 0.50 mm , 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (PA66 Nylon vs PC), bottom housing (Ink vs Nylon), spring (20 mm dual-stage black-plated vs 15 mm gold-plated), (60 g vs 65 g), actuation (50 g vs 42 g), bottom-out force (65 g vs 67 g), total travel (3.20 mm vs 4 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PA66 Nylon top housing, Ink bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm dual-stage black-plated spring. The tactile bump is 60g at 0.50mm. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 65g bottom-out occurs at 3.20mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. | The Durock Koala is a tactile standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 15 mm gold-plated spring. The tactile bump is 65g at 0.50mm. The 42g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 67g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Durock. |
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| Name | Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile | Durock Koala |
|---|---|---|
| Type | tactile | tactile |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PA66 Nylon | PC |
| Bottom housing | Ink | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 20 mm dual-stage black-plated | 15 mm gold-plated |
| Tactile force | 60 g | 65 g |
| Actuation | 50 g | 42 g |
| Bottom-out | 65 g | 67 g |
| Tactile bump position | 0.50 mm | 0.50 mm |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.20 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | Gateron | Durock |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile is much more widely available, but the Durock Koala is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile and Durock Koala switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile force curve | Durock Koala force curve |
| No Durock Koala force curve available. |
Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile sound test | Durock Koala sound test |
No Durock Koala sound test available. |
Comments on Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile switches | Comments on Durock Koala switches |
Following the massive success of the original Oil King series, Gateron has finally expanded the lineup with the highly anticipated Oil King Heavy Tactile switch. The Oil King Heavy Tactile delivers a pronounced tactile bump paired with a firm and satisfying bottom-out. The heavier spring weight provides a substantial keypress feel, while the signature Oil King housing materials produce a deep, full-bodied sound profile that is both rich and refined – LumeKeebs. Gateron Oil King Heavy Tactile switches are switches from Gateron's Oil King Series. Switches part of this series take the same housing and stem materials that made the Oil King popular and puts them into different switch types. These Oil King Heavy Tactile switches have a 60g tactile bump that begins at the top of the keypress and evens out to a linear a little over halfway down the total travel. Sound profile: Surprisingly deep for a tactile switch that has a rich and resonant tone – Divinikey. The heavy tactile variant of the popular Oil King line – with the same Nylon PA66 top and signature Ink bottom housing that give the classic Oil King its deep, full-bodied sound. At around 65gf bottom-out and with a distinctly pronounced heavy bump, the Yellow delivers a powerful, very defined typing feel – every keystroke feels deliberate and unmistakable. Sound-wise, the switch stays pleasantly deep and substantial without ever turning shrill. A strong pick for anyone who loves heavy tactiles with that signature Oil King sound – MonacoKeys. | The Durock Koala Tactile Switches are a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts for their smooth tactile feedback, durability, and premium build quality. These switches are perfect for anyone looking to enhance their typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump and consistent performance – Ikasaya. |
