Kailh Berry vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Berry switches offer a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile that is categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Koala switches provide a balanced tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, delivering a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Categorized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff', the Koalas are suitable for those who prefer a tactile response without too much force. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and Durock Koala switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Berry and Koala switches differ in their bottom housings, with the Berry utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Koala also incorporating a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the split between the top and bottom housings in a switch can make a difference in the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether it is nylon or polycarbonate, will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing, also made of polycarbonate in both the Berry and Koala switches, will influence the sound when a key is released. Despite the similarities in their top housings, it is the differences in the bottom housings of the Kailh Berry and Durock Koala that can lead to variations in the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Kailh Berry and Durock Koala switches offer unique sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials. While they both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the differing nylon bottom housings impact the depth and fullness of the sound produced. The top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the feel of bottoming out a key and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the differences in housing materials, keyboard enthusiasts can choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Koala's 67-gram bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This suggests that typing on both switches would result in a similar feel when actually pressing the keys. The slight difference in bottom out force may be noticeable to users who prefer a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a slightly heavier or lighter typing feel for their keyboard use.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Koala's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer a different feel, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences 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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy experience, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, but with a more neutral tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its textured typing experience, with noticeable friction when pressed that some users may find appealing for its unique tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished and accented feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility that is neither too subtle nor overwhelming. The Koala switch also features a stepped feel, adding a different dimension to the typing experience compared to the Berry switch.
Overall, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Berry switch provides a springy texture and a deep sound profile, the Koala switch offers a balanced tactility and a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, with both switches offering unique characteristics, users can expect to receive a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a springy and chalk-like feel with a deep sound profile, the Berry linear switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, along with a bit of resonance without being overly loud, the Koala tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a linear typing experience or a tactile one, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your preferences.
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