Huano Acacia vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Durock Koala offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a smooth and responsive typing experience right from the start. Its minimal stem wobble further enhances its appeal for users who value fluid key presses without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Durock Koala stands out as a tactile switch, providing a unique blend of a pronounced bump without the overwhelming force often associated with tactile switches. Its stepped tactility gives users a satisfying feedback while still maintaining a relatively quiet profile, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Acacia’s smooth and uninterrupted actuation and the Koala’s tactile punch will come down to personal preference; 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Durock Koala both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. As both switches share this stiffer plastic composition, they produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when actuated. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances their aesthetic appeal, particularly when integrated with RGB lighting, allowing for effective light diffusion. This common characteristic between the Acacia and Koala ensures that users can expect a similar auditory experience when using these switches, with a clear and resonant sound that elevates the tactile feedback associated with typing.
Contrasting the top housings, both the Huano Acacia and Durock Koala feature nylon material in their bottom housings. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, influences the sound profile differently than polycarbonate. With a nylon bottom housing, both switches produce a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more vibrations, resulting in a rounder and muted auditory experience. The construction of the bottom housing plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon effectively dampening the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This synergy between top and bottom materials creates a complementary auditory profile, giving both switches a balanced sound landscape.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia and Durock Koala differ in their bottom housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—they share a notable similarity in their polycarbonate top housing. This results in a consistent high-pitched sound profile across both switches, while the nylon materials provide a contrast that adds depth to the overall sound. Users can anticipate that the sound produced when typing on these switches will have both sharpness from the top and warmth from the bottom, creating a comprehensive audio experience that caters to personal preference, whether they prefer clarity or fullness in their typing sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Acacia features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for longer sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Koala's actuation force is unspecified, but its bottom out force is heavier at 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the switch is fully pressed down. This higher bottom out force aligns with a more tactile feedback that some users appreciate. Given these specifications, the Huano Acacia is the lighter option, while the Durock Koala is the heavier choice, making it better suited for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, potential users may find the Acacia more comfortable for extended use, while the Koala offers a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Koala switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Acacia. For users who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Acacia may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation and faster typing or gaming responses. In contrast, the Koala's 4 mm travel may offer a more pronounced feedback, which some users appreciate for the tactile sensation and deeper keystroke. If you're looking for a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Durock Koala would be the preferable option, whereas the Huano Acacia might suit those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch typically produces a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer minimal acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. The generous factory lubrication further contributes to the low noise profile, which is especially appealing in shared or office environments. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound that introduces a satisfying yet muted auditory reaction during use. While the Koala's sound is neutral, it provides a subtle resonance that adds character to each keystroke without being overly loud. This balance makes both switches suitable for varied environments, though their auditory profiles cater to different preferences; the Acacia for quietness, the Koala for a more grounded, thumpy experience.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia shines with its medium-light actuation force and smooth travel, thanks largely to the effective factory lubrication. This results in a refined typing experience with minimal stem wobble, allowing for an effortless flow as you type or game. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a distinct stepped tactile feel, characterized by its medium tactile bump that provides clear feedback without overwhelming the typist. The polished finish of the Koala enhances smoothness and reduces scratchiness, giving it a luxury feel, while its stiffness requires a bit more force to actuate, providing a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while the Acacia prioritizes smoothness and lightness, the Koala balances tactility and firmness, serving different preferences for users.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia linear switch and Durock Koala tactile switch deliver unique typing experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Acacia is ideal for those seeking a tranquil, smooth feel, perfect for prolonged typing with minimal distractions. Conversely, the Koala caters to users who enjoy a pronounced tactile response with a blend of stiffness and subtle auditory feedback. Overall, with the right set-up, both switches can provide enjoyable and efficient typing experiences, albeit in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch should ultimately align with your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a smoother experience with a medium-light actuation force—ideal for rapid typing and gaming—the Acacia may be the better fit. Its generous factory lubrication minimizes friction, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable experience right out of the box. The neutral sound profile further enhances its appeal, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile feedback in your keystrokes, the Koala offers a well-rounded option. With its stepped tactility and medium-heavy bottom-out force, it provides that satisfying bump without overwhelming your fingers. The polished feel ensures a refined typing experience, while the low-pitched resonance maintains a pleasant sound without being intrusive. Therefore, choose the Acacia for a light, smooth, and versatile typing experience, or opt for the Koala if you appreciate pronounced tactile feedback that strikes a comfortable balance between too soft and too firm. Ultimately, both switches can cater to distinct typing experiences, so consider what aspects matter most to you in your daily keyboard use.
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