Durock Black Lotus vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Black Lotus is a linear switch known for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for a satisfying typing experience. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and easy to press, and the unique light column enhances in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Koala is a tactile switch that offers a middle ground for those seeking a tactile typing experience without an overwhelming bump. With stepped tactility and a bit of resonance, the Koala is not overly loud but still provides a satisfying keystroke feel. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Black Lotus being smooth and the Koala being neutral. Overall, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences, and the decision can be better made by delving deeper into their specifics. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the Durock Koala has a polycarbonate top housing. Both materials offer a unique and premium feel, with the polycarbonate creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Black Lotus's blend housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala switch allows for a clear and resonant sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Black Lotus's modified blend housing offers a different tactile experience, giving users a distinct feel when typing.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Black Lotus and Koala switches utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to produce a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The nylon material provides a softer touch compared to other plastics, adding to the overall typing experience for users of the Durock switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and Koala switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Black Lotus combines a modified blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing for a unique typing experience, the Koala features a polycarbonate top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches provide a premium feel and sound quality that will satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a high-performance switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ in a few key ways. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Koala has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Koala slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Black Lotus. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is known, whereas the actuation force of the Koala is not specified. However, despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Black Lotus for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preferences in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Koala, you can expect a consistent feel and response when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a smooth keystroke experience with a moderate travel distance, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Overall, while the Black Lotus and Koala switches may have different characteristics such as actuation force and tactile feedback, their travel distance remains the same, providing users with a familiar and reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is not overly loud. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Regarding feel, the Durock Black Lotus boasts a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness, minimal resistance, and refined key travel. Conversely, the Durock Koala is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff in feel, providing a sleek key travel with a medium amount of tactility and a two-stage sensation. Both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in terms of key press feedback and resistance.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch excels in offering a smooth and precise typing experience with a light in-switch lighting feature, while the Durock Koala tactile switch strikes a balance between bumpiness and smoothness with a medium amount of tactility and an acoustically neutral sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches provide distinct qualities that can cater to a variety of typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, testing out both switches on a keyboard setup of your choice will give you a better understanding of which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a subtle in-switch lighting feature and minimal wobble, the Black Lotus is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump, a bit of resonance without being too loud, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a linear typing experience with minimal wobble or a tactile feedback with a pronounced bump. Consider your typing preference and style to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
