Bsun Pine vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Pine and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bsun Pine stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility that appeals to users who appreciate a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance with its stepped tactility, delivering a pronounced bump without overwhelming the keystroke. While the Pine is best suited for those who seek invigorating and snappy feedback, the Koala offers a polished and neutral typing experience. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Durock Koala 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 Pine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Koala's nylon bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of housing materials, the Bsun Pine and Durock Koala have similarities in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches provide a sharp and clear sound profile thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and Durock Koala play a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound profile, the Pine's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Koala's nylon bottom housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. The combination of different housing materials in these switches results in unique typing experiences, as the qualities of each material affect the overall sound profile both when pressing down keys and when releasing them.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, the Pine has a bottom out force of 65 grams, slightly lighter than the Koala's 67 grams. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Pine may be more suitable, as it requires slightly less force to bottom out. The Koala, on the other hand, offers a slightly stronger push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force of the two switches may vary, the bottom out force is quite similar, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock Koala has a longer travel distance than the Bsun Pine. A shorter travel distance, like the one found in the Bsun Pine, is favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, a longer travel distance, such as the one in the Durock Koala, provides a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Pine switches are known for a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that provides a mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Both switches will deliver a pleasant typing sound, but the Pine may provide a deeper and more resonant tone compared to the Koala.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Pine switches are described as invigorating and sharp, offering a snappy and responsive typing experience with a prominent tactile bump. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switches provide a polished and accented feel, giving a smooth and refined tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The stepped tactility of the Koala switches adds a unique feel to each keystroke, making them stand out for users looking for a distinct typing experience.
Overall, both the Bsun Pine and Durock Koala switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Pine switches provide a direct and sharp tactile bump with a mellow sound profile, perfect for those who seek intense feedback with each keypress. In comparison, the Koala switches offer a polished and refined feel with a stepped tactility and a neutral sound profile, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, along with direct and no-nonsense tactility, the Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a middle ground with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, offering a bit of resonance without being overly loud, the Koala switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sharp and invigorating feel of the Pine switch or the polished and stepped feel of the Koala switch. Consider the sound profile as well, with the Pine having a certain sound and the Koala offering a low-pitched and neutral sound. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
