HMX Cheese vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Durock Koala offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches stand out for their lightness and overall feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between a pronounced bump and a moderate keystroke weight. Known for its stepped tactility and low-pitched sound profile, the Koalas offer a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. While the Cheese provides a light and smooth typing experience, the Koala offers a more tactile and resonant feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Koala, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. As such, the bottom out sound and feel of these switches will likely be quite similar due to the shared use of nylon in this component.
On the other hand, the top housings of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Koala differ in material, with the Cheese utilizing nylon while the Koala features polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for more vibrant and noticeable lighting effects. Therefore, the sound produced when releasing a key on the Koala will likely be more resonant and clear compared to the Cheese due to the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, while the bottom housings of the HMX Cheese and Durock Koala share similarities in their nylon composition, the top housings set them apart in terms of sound profile. The Cheese offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing, while the Koala provides a more crisp and resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing. These differences in material highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches, catering to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch differ significantly in terms of weight. The Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The actuation force of the Koala is unknown, but given the difference in bottom out force, it is likely heavier than the Cheese. This means that while typing on the Cheese switch may feel smoother and require less force, typing on the Koala switch may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback and require a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with lighter switches being better for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Cheese has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala, making it a good option for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Cheese for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Koala offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for various settings. When it comes to feel, the Cheese switch offers unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, while the Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a refined and smooth key travel with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming.
Overall, the HMX Cheese and Durock Koala switches offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a unique clacky sound and smooth typing experience, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched tone with pronounced tactility. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps in order to further customize the typing experience and achieve the desired results with these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Cheese switches may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koalas could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. So, take these factors into consideration and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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