KTT Cream Yellow vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics that set them apart. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. It offers a bouncy typing feel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance for users who want a punchy keystroke without being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility and pronounced bump, the Koala offers a polished and low-pitched typing experience with just the right amount of resonance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Koala lies in their housing materials. Both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharp and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of the sound, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow utilizes nylon while the Koala also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder sound.
While both the Cream Yellow and Koala keyboards have polycarbonate top housings that yield similar sound profiles, the difference lies in the nylon bottom housing. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing provides a duller and rounder sound compared to the Koala's nylon bottom housing. This subtle variation in material can impact the overall sound experience of the keyboard, especially when typing on different keys. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials influences the sound when pressing down a key versus releasing it, highlighting the importance of both housing materials in creating a unique sound profile for each keyboard.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and Durock Koala keyboards play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While both keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile compared to the Koala's nylon bottom housing. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound quality is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience to their preference. Whether it's a sharper, higher-pitched sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams, while the Koala has a higher bottom out force at 67 grams. The Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Koala but still in the medium range. Both switches provide a similar typing experience overall, with the Cream Yellow offering a smoother linear feel and the Koala providing a tactile bump for feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Koala for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of distance, the Cream Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Koala being on the longer end of the spectrum. Gamers may prefer the Cream Yellow for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Koala with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow switch offers a unique clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Koala switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various uses. While the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinct clacky sound, the Koala switch offers a more subtle and neutral sound experience. Both switches will produce satisfying sound profiles, but the Cream Yellow will provide a more pronounced and resonant clack, while the Koala will offer a mellower and smoother sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its bouncy typing experience, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation with rebound when pressed. Conversely, the Koala switch offers a polished and accented feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Koala switch features a stepped tactile feel, offering a two-stage tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel. The Cream Yellow switch, with its bouncy and elastic feedback, will give a more lively typing experience, while the Koala switch will provide a smoother and more refined tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow linear switch is best suited for those who enjoy a sharp and clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a more dynamic and resonant sound feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound profile with a polished and accented tactile feel, making it ideal for users looking for a smoother and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility. Both switches provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cream Yellow linear switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, then the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump, a polished feel, and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, then the Durock Koala switch would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Happy typing!
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