Kailh Box Royal vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Koala offer distinct tactile experiences. The Box Royal is known for its sharp and aggressive tactility, making it ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched sound profile and a definitive keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance with its stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump without being overwhelming. It offers a more polished and neutral typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Koala, it is clear that they both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. On the other hand, the Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches share the nylon bottom housing material, the key point of differentiation lies in their top housing materials. The Box Royal with its nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the bottom housing characteristics. In contrast, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound, creating a unique typing experience. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, influencing the user's typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Koala demonstrate how the choice of housing material can shape the sound profile and typing feel of a switch. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing adds a contrasting element with its sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate, these differences in housing materials allow for customization and personalization in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Box Royal is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Box Royal at 70 grams and the Koala at 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Box Royal may be the more suitable option, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Koala with its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box Royal offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala. For those looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Box Royal may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Koala with its longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Box Royal offering a shorter travel distance and the Koala providing a longer one.
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 Box Royal 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds with each keypress. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch provides a lower, more bass-heavy sound that is not overly loud, offering a more mellow tone overall. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the higher-pitched sound of the Box Royal for a sharper auditory feedback, while others may lean towards the Koala for a more subdued and neutral sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch provides a polished and accented tactile feel, with a smooth and refined finish that leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Koala switch offers a prominent amount of tactility that strikes a balance between overwhelming and subtle, catering to a wider range of users who prefer a medium tactile switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Kailh Box Royal and Durock Koala switches offer distinct tactile and auditory experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Box Royal provides a sharper and more aggressive tactile feedback with a high-pitched sound, the Koala offers a polished and accented tactile feel with a lower, more mellow sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. Rest assured, whether you opt for the Box Royal or the Koala, you can expect a satisfying tactile typing experience that meets your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal and the Durock Koala tactile switches, you should consider your preference for tactility and sound profile. If you enjoy a sharp, aggressive tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more polished and refined tactile feel with a moderate bump and a lower-pitched, mellow sound, the Durock Koala could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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