Huano Elf vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Durock Koala offer two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel, ensuring a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who prioritize fluid keystrokes and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and smooth operation. With its stepped tactility, the Koala provides a satisfying bump that helps typists know when a key has been activated without spanning the entire keystroke. It is designed to offer a bit of resonance, ensuring an engaging experience without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer the seamless glide of a linear switch like the Elf or the more pronounced feedback of a tactile option like the Koala. 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
42g
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
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Durock Koala exhibit a clear contrast in their top housings while sharing similarities in their bottom housings. The Elf utilizes POK material for its top housing, which boasts a very low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability characteristics. The POK material not only facilitates smooth keystrokes but also contributes to a more clacky sound profile due to its strength and resilience against wear. In comparison, the Koala employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, generating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials are engineered to enhance the switch's performance, the Elf's POK material emphasizes smoothness and durability, while the Koala's polycarbonate focuses on sound clarity and aesthetics.
On the other hand, both the Huano Elf and the Durock Koala utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a unified auditory experience. The nylon component in both switches aims to produce a deeper and fuller sound, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound energy, creating a rounder auditory signature. This shared choice of material enables both switches to deliver a rich sound profile when pressed down, allowing typists to experience the satisfying thud that is characteristic of nylon-based housings. The commonality in the bottom housing means that when both switches are bottomed out, users can expect a familiar auditory and tactile response, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings determines the overall experience of the switches. While the Huano Elf and the Durock Koala differ in their top materials—POK versus polycarbonate—their identical nylon bottom housings ensure that users can still enjoy a comparable deep sound when engaging the keys. This means that while each switch offers its unique top housing characteristics influencing the sound upon release, the foundational qualities established by the nylon bottom housing deliver consistent results in the bottoming-out sound and feel. Whether one prefers the clackiness of the Elf or the sharpness of the Koala, both switches characterize a blend of distinct and overlapping acoustic features.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, one notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it a lighter option suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown. In contrast, the Durock Koala features a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down. The actuation force of the Koala is unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons in that aspect. Overall, the Huano Elf offers a lighter typing experience, while the Durock Koala delivers a heftier touch, appealing to those who prefer a stronger feedback when typing. If the actuation force of the Koala were to be similar to that of the Elf, it would still provide that contrasting bottom out force, resulting in a different experience between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This difference in travel distance can influence the typing experience: users who prefer shorter travel distances, such as gamers looking for quicker response times, may gravitate towards the Huano Elf. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial travel might opt for the Durock Koala, as its longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile sensation. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the depth and responsiveness of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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, the Huano Elf linear switch is known for its deep sound signature, which adds a bass-heavy quality to the typing experience. This is complemented by the POK top housing that enhances the acoustics, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback that matches its medium-light feel. In comparison, the Durock Koala tactile switch produces a low-pitched sound that leans towards the mellow side. It provides a neutral acoustic profile, which makes it suitable for both casual and professional settings. The Koala's sound is less pronounced than that of the Elf, with a resonance that is noticeable but not overpowering. Thus, while both switches emphasize a more subdued auditory experience, the Elf offers a richer, deeper tone unlike the Koala's more neutral presence.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Huano Elf is characterized by a medium-light touch that promises a pleasing typing experience without undue effort. Its smooth key travel may have qualities attributed to its construction but remains largely unspecified. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a polished experience, indicating a refined finish that minimizes friction and allows for smooth keystrokes. This switch, with its stepped tactility, revolutionizes the tactile experience by presenting a prominent but not overwhelming bump. The Koala deftly balances the acoustic feedback with an 'accented' feel, offering a level of tactility that is accessible yet engaging for typists who appreciate a bit of resistance without excessive harshness.
In summary, both the Huano Elf and Durock Koala switches cater to different preferences while still providing enjoyable typing experiences. The Elf stands out with its deep acoustic profile and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the Koala strikes a balance between sound and feel, offering a polished typing experience with subtle tactility and a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes auditory depth or a refined tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Huano Elf linear switches and Durock Koala tactile switches ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience, the Huano Elf switches are an excellent option, particularly if you prefer a quiet keyboard with a medium-light feel and an acoustically pleasing sound profile. These switches are ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority and where comfort during prolonged typing sessions is valuable. Conversely, if you find joy in a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Durock Koala switches would be more to your liking. With their medium-heavy bottom-out force and stepped tactility, they offer a satisfying bump without overwhelming your fingers, making them suitable for users who want both a responsive feel and a balanced acoustic profile. These switches are particularly well-suited for gaming and typing alike, providing that sweet spot of tactile feedback for precision and enjoyment. Ultimately, assess how you plan to use your keyboard and the sensations you prefer to determine which switch will make for the perfect match for your setup.
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