Jerrzi Coral vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Koala. The Coral switch offers a linear typing experience with a distinctively crisp feel and lower-pitched resonance, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and performance. On the other hand, the Koala switch provides a tactile typing experience with a pronounced but not overwhelming bump, resulting in a satisfying keystroke that is not too loud. Each switch caters to different preferences - the Coral for those who prefer a silky and low-pitched feel, and the Koala for individuals seeking a polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff typing experience. As you consider which switch may be the best fit for your needs, keep in mind that the general descriptions only scratch the surface of what these switches have to offer. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Koala feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material will result in similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal for both switches, providing users with consistent performance and visual appeal.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings of the switches. The Coral utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar deeper and fuller sound profile experience. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, creating a more muted and rounded sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Jerrzi Coral and the Durock Koala offers a unique blend of sound characteristics. While the top housing impacts the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. Despite their slight differences in bottom housing materials, both switches provide users with a balanced and harmonious typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which does not provide information on actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Coral has no specified bottom out force, while the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Coral may be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Koala would be the better option. Both switches offer different feels to cater to the preferences of different users, with the actuation force and bottom out force playing a significant role in determining the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Coral's shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel, while the Koala's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the feel and depth of the key press. In this case, the Coral would be considered the shorter of the two switches, while the Koala is slightly longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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, both the Jerrzi Coral and Durock Koala switches are described as having a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The Koala switch, however, is also noted as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Coral switch is described as offering a silky typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the Koala switch is noted for its polished feel, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Koala switch is labeled as accented and stepped, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, and provides a two-stage keystroke feel with some pre- and post-travel. Both switches offer unique tactile feels that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and Durock Koala tactile switch each bring their own distinct qualities to the table. While the Coral switch excels in providing a crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance, the Koala switch offers a pronounced bump without being too overpowering and includes a range of tactile features like accented and stepped characteristics. Ultimately, the sound and feel of each switch will appeal to different users based on their preferences for typing experience. If one is looking for a smoother, silkier feel, the Coral might be the way to go, while those seeking a polished, accented tactile experience might lean towards the Koala. Both switches offer quality performance and a delightful typing experience overall.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you are looking for a smooth and refined typing feel with a lower-pitched sound, the Coral switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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