Kailh Box White vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for feedback and typing experience. The Box White offers maximum audio feedback with a crunchy, high-pitched sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, providing a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Koala strikes a balance with a pronounced bump and stepped tactility for those who want a tactile experience without being too overwhelming. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, but it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, these switches produce a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound and feel when typing.
In contrast, the Box White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Koala also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with other bottom housing materials. Despite this difference in bottom housing, both the Box White and the Koala offer a similar typing experience thanks to the use of nylon, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches greatly impacts the sound and feel of typing. While the Kailh Box White and the Durock Koala share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their use of nylon bottom housings. This contrast in bottom housing materials may lead to slight variations in sound profiles between the two switches, with the Box White offering a potentially duller and rounder sound compared to the Koala. However, the overall typing experience of both switches is likely to be comparable due to the quality and characteristics of the chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we can see that the Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Koala which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Box White's 60 grams. This means that the Koala switch requires more force to fully press the key down, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Box White switch is lighter and may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Overall, the Box White switch offers a balance between actuation and bottom out force, while the Koala switch is geared towards those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches provide different options for users based on their preference for force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kailh Box White. The Box White's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Koala's longer travel distance could provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 Box White is known for its high-pitched and crunchy clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This switch provides a resonant and immersive auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and clean sound profile. Meanwhile, the Durock Koala offers a neutral and low-pitched sound, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is not overly loud. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a sharp clicky sound or a more subtle tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box White and the Durock Koala switches are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Koala switch also features an accented tactility, offering a medium tactile bump that is not overwhelming yet still prominent. Additionally, the Koala switch is described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactility with a pronounced bump that does not span the entire keystroke. On the other hand, the Box White switch offers a polished finish but does not have additional descriptors for its tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a high-pitched and crunchy clicky sound with a polished feel, while the Koala offers a neutral and low-pitched sound with an accented and stepped tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and tactility, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you enjoy the sharp click of autumn leaves or a more mellow keystroke, these switches cater to a variety of typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a sharp, higher-pitched sound with a crunchy tactile feedback, the Box White may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more mellow, low-pitched sound with a polished and accented tactile feel that is not too overwhelming, the Koala could be the better option. Ultimately, your typing experience and personal preference will guide you towards the switch that suits you best.
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