HMX Blue Topaz vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Blue Topaz, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch. The Blue Topaz is praised for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its easy-to-press keys and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Koala offers a middle ground for those who enjoy a bit of punch in their keystrokes, featuring a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without being overly loud. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through clearly. This material's stiffness contributes to a more resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches share this top housing material, they may offer slightly different sound profiles due to variations in design and construction.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Blue Topaz utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Durock Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on a more muffled sound. The difference in bottom housing material allows for a variation in sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of each keystroke.
Despite some differences in housing materials between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Durock Koala, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon. While the top housing material contributes to the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material affects the sound and feel when pressing down. Overall, these materials work together to create a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ significantly. The Blue Topaz has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, offering a smooth and light typing experience. In contrast, the Koala has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blue Topaz, as it allows for longer typing sessions and smoother keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Koala due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Koala being slightly longer than the Blue Topaz. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Blue Topaz for faster response times, while others may appreciate the slightly deeper travel distance of the Koala for a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the amount of travel distance that feels most comfortable and responsive.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 Blue Topaz offers a clacky typing experience, providing users with a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the Koala switch produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, which is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to the Blue Topaz. The sound profile of each switch is also impacted by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz switch is easy-to-press, offering a smooth actuation and minimal resistance, resulting in a lightweight and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that the Koala switch provides a refined and smooth typing feel with a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming, offering users a more controlled and precise typing experience.
Overall, the Blue Topaz linear switch excels in providing a smooth and easy typing experience with a clacky sound signature, perfect for users looking for a lightweight and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a more tactile and controlled typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Durock Koala would be more suitable for you. Consider the lightness and easy-to-press nature of the Blue Topaz if you value effortless typing, while the polished and accented feel of the Koala could provide a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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