Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Koala both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bamboo Green is praised for its clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a sharp and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance with its stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump without being overly loud. While the Koalas offer a middle ground for users who want their keystrokes to have a punch, the Bamboo Green switches are favored for their high-pitched and accented feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Koala both offer unique housing materials for switches, with the Bamboo Green featuring PBT for both the top and bottom housing while the Koala utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green provides a neutral sound profile, not too crisp or dull, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Koala creates a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. On the other hand, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile, similar to the top housing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Koala elicits a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Durock Koala offers a clear and translucent look, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the PBT top housing of the Everglide Bamboo Green provides a more understated appearance. The overall sound profile of the two switches is also influenced by their respective housing materials, with the stiffer polycarbonate of the Koala producing a more resonant sound compared to the softer nylon of the Koala. However, both switches offer a unique sound experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
While the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Koala feature different housing materials for their switches, both switches ultimately offer a combination of qualities from their top and bottom housing materials. The impact of each housing material is felt differently when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with the Bamboo Green's PBT housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the Koala's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be customized based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Bamboo Green has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Koala's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green is lighter than the Koala, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Koala may be the better option. Ultimately, the similarities in actuation and bottom out force between the two switches mean that users can expect similar results in terms of typing feedback and overall performance.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled with each switch. This similarity ensures that users will experience consistent key press feel regardless of which switch they choose. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing a sharp and crisp sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for sound, considering factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch is known for its stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile feedback. The switch offers a distinct two-stage tactile response, providing a noticeable bump without being overwhelming, along with smooth key travel. Comparatively, the Durock Koala switch also features a polished and accented tactile feel, along with a stepped design that offers a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Koala switch is described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate compared to other switches.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and Durock Koala switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, they both provide unique typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound with a sharp tactile bump, or a low-pitched and neutral sound with a stiffer tactility, both switches offer quality and performance in their own right. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Koala are solid options. However, if you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound with a clacky feel, the Bamboo Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a resonant, low-pitched sound with a noticeable tactile bump, the Durock Koala might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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