HMX Deep Navy vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Koala often comes down to personal preference for feel and sound. The Deep Navy switch, recognized for its full nylon construction, offers a linear experience characterized by a silky smooth keystroke and a rich, sharp sound profile. This makes it an ideal choice for users who value a quiet, uninterrupted typing experience and want seamless key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch strikes a balance between tactile feel and smoothness. Featuring a stepped tactility, the Koalas provide a pronounced bump at the actuation point, delivering a satisfying response while remaining relatively quiet. They are well-suited for those who appreciate the feedback of a tactile switch without the distraction of excessive noise. Both switches have their unique appeals, with the Deep Navy prioritizing smoothness and sound, while the Koala emphasizes tactile feedback and a more nuanced sound 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Koala exhibits contrasting sound profiles as a result of their different top housing materials. The Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, well-regarded for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound. This is primarily due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. Therefore, when users type on the Deep Navy, they are likely to experience a duller and rounder auditory feedback, which can lend a certain warmth to the typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Koala opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material’s increased stiffness. The polycarbonate’s clarity allows for more resonant and pronounced acoustics, making it a preferred option for users seeking a brighter sound in their switches.
On the other hand, both the Deep Navy and Koala share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in the same conditions for sound absorption and acoustic response. This shared material plays a crucial role in their overall sound experience: typing feedback elicits a deeper, fuller tone, thanks to the nylon's inherent properties. The bottom housing, which significantly influences bottom-out sound and feel, ensures that regardless of the disparity in the top housing materials, the resulting experience on the tactile aspect will retain that deeper quality associated with nylon. Thus, while the top housings result in different sound profiles, the bottom housing’s contribution ensures a consistent auditory foundation in both switches.
In summary, the HMX Deep Navy and the Durock Koala offer a study in contrasts and symmetries in their housing materials. With the Deep Navy's nylon top yielding a warmer, fuller sound and the Koala's polycarbonate top generating a brighter, sharper auditory experience, users can choose based on their sound preferences. However, since both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, they inherently maintain a comparable sound depth upon actuation, allowing users to enjoy a cohesive tactile feedback even when the upper sound profiles diverge. This unique combination permits enthusiasts to appreciate the subtle nuances of each switch while still benefiting from the reliable warmth provided by the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Durock Koala tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or long gaming marathons due to its lighter weight. In contrast, the Durock Koala's actuation force remains unknown, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressed down fully. This heavier resistance may appeal to typists who prefer a stronger push feel for their keystrokes. Therefore, while the Deep Navy is the lighter option, the Koala offers a heftier tactile experience, catering to different preferences among keyboard users.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Deep Navy offers a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Koala's 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. For those who appreciate a hearty key press without the abruptness of shorter distances, the Koala might be the ideal option. Therefore, if you're looking for the shorter travel distance, the Deep Navy is the better choice, whereas the Koala stands out for those favoring a longer travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 sound profiles of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch is noted for its rich and sharp sound, which is enhanced by its full nylon construction, likely resulting in a pleasantly satisfying auditory experience that engages the user without being intrusive. In contrast, the Koala switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone coupled with a neutral sound profile. This means that while the Koala may possess slight resonance, it remains moderate and versatile enough for various environments, making it suitable for both home and workspace settings. Ultimately, if you desire a sharper auditory experience, the Deep Navy excels, while the Koala provides a softer, more balanced sound.
In terms of tactile feel, the differences between the two switches are also notable. The Deep Navy switch offers a smooth, linear experience that emphasizes seamless key travel, allowing for swift execution with minimal resistance. This provides an effortless typing experience favored by those who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is characterized by its polished feel, accentuated tactility, and stepped design. The tactile feedback is defined, yet neither overwhelming nor scratchy, striking a middle ground that can please both casual typists and enthusiasts. The Koala's stiffness also necessitates a higher actuation force, making it suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance during typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch cater to different tactile and auditory preferences. The Deep Navy stands out for its sharp, rich sound and smooth linear feel, making it ideal for those seeking a fluid typing experience. Conversely, the Koala offers a balanced sound profile with a more pronounced tactile feedback and requires more force to actuate, appealing to users who enjoy a satisfying tactile response without being overly aggressive. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch can deliver a rewarding experience, with the Deep Navy focusing on smoothness and auditory clarity, while the Koala emphasizes tactile engagement and versatility in sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Deep Navy linear switches and Durock Koala tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter touch and are drawn to an immersive and smooth typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy switches are an excellent choice. Their low actuation force and rich acoustic profile make them particularly suitable for long typing sessions, gaming, or simply enjoying the satisfying response without the fatigue of heavier keys. However, if you appreciate a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump, the Durock Koala switches would likely be more to your liking. Their medium-heavy force provides a satisfying resistance, making each keystroke feel more deliberate, which can be beneficial for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a bit more heft and a polished feel. In essence, your selection should reflect your typing style: go for the Deep Navy for smoothness and gentle keystrokes, or choose the Koala for a tactile experience that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort.
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