Sarokeys BCP vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The BCP from Sarokeys offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience, with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that many users love. On the other hand, the Durock Koala provides a more polished and refined feel, with a pronounced bump on each keystroke that doesn't span the entire keypress. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, from the buttery smoothness of the BCP to the satisfying tactility of the Koala. 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
51g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Durock Koala, it is evident that there are significant differences in the sound profile they create. The BCP's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can have a direct impact on the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Koala allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
Despite the differences in the top housings, both the BCP and Koala feature nylon bottom housings. This similarity means that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The use of nylon in both bottom housings allows for a consistent typing experience across these two switches, highlighting the importance of bottom housing material in determining the overall sound profile. While the top housing material may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in creating a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate in the BCP and Koala switches provide users with different sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences. The softness of nylon in the BCP offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Koala produces a sharper and clearer sound. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials comes down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ in weight. The BCP has a lighter actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams but an unknown actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the BCP switch for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Koala switch. The actuation force determines how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Overall, users can expect a medium-light feel with the BCP switch and a medium-heavy feel with the Koala switch, providing different typing experiences depending on preference.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The BCP offers a quicker response time, which is ideal for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Koala switch provides a deeper keypress feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and key feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality, but with a variance in the travel distance experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a signature clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch produces a low-pitched sound with a bit of resonance, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the BCP being more on the sharp and snappy side, while the Koala leans towards a quieter and more neutral tone.
When it comes to feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch is characterized as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a refined finish with a prominent amount of tactility. The Koala delivers a more controlled and tactile typing experience compared to the lively and elastic feedback of the BCP, catering to those who prefer a more defined keystroke.
Overall, while the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches excel in their respective areas. The BCP provides a clacky and bouncy typing sensation with a signature poppy sound, while the Koala delivers a more controlled and refined typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect satisfying results with either switch choice, each offering unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a creamy, bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the BCP linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and like a switch with a medium-strong tactility that provides a polished, accented feel, the Koala tactile switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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