TTC Flaming Pink vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing and gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a pivotal role, and two popular options are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Koala. The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive keystrokes, delivering a premium feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between subtlety and excitement. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the thrill of gaming. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a unique stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump that gives feedback without overwhelming the user, making it ideal for typists who appreciate nuance in their keystrokes. While the Flaming Pink emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, perfect for gamers and everyday tasks alike, the Koala delivers a tactile richness that caters to those who enjoy a bit of resistance and feedback in their typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Koala switches, one notable similarity is their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches share the benefits of this material, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance, contributing to a clearer auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects when incorporated into the switch design, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for users seeking visually dynamic setups. As both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a comparable sonic quality when typing or gaming.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Flaming Pink and Koala switches is made from nylon, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This inherent quality becomes particularly noticeable during key presses, where the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound. Therefore, while the top housing contributes to the clarity and sharpness of each switch's sound, the nylon bottom housing serves to mellow the overall auditory output, creating a balanced sound profile.
By utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both switch designs, users can expect a synthesis of characteristics that combine sharpness and depth. The Flaming Pink and Koala switches allow for a unique tactile experience driven by the interplay between the materials. The polycarbonate enhances the key release sound while the nylon ensures a satisfying bottom-out experience. Ultimately, despite their differences in branding, the combination of these materials leads to an enriched overall typing experience, appealing to both style-conscious and performance-driven users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may influence a user's choice. The Flaming Pink has a lightweight actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Koala switch, with an unspecified actuation force, has a considerably heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, suggesting a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for the tactile feedback it provides. As a result, while the Flaming Pink offers a lighter option for those who value comfort and prolonged use, the Koala’s heavier force may appeal to individuals seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Thus, the TTC Flaming Pink is the lighter option, catering to users desiring ease over pressure, while the Durock Koala presents a heavier alternative for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we find a difference that may influence user preference. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Koala, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Given that 4.0 mm is considered a traditional travel distance, the Flaming Pink’s 3.6 mm may provide quicker, more responsive key presses, catering to gamers and those who favor a snappier feel. Conversely, the Koala's longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, avoiding the abruptness that shorter travels can sometimes cause. Thus, those who prefer a faster response time might opt for the Flaming Pink, while those seeking a heartier typing experience may lean towards the Koala.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch boasts a sound profile characterized by its bright yet not overly loud tones. This switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, whether for gaming or everyday tasks. In comparison, the Durock Koala switch has a sound that can be described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched quality lends a bass-heavy, mellow tone, while the neutral aspect indicates a moderate sound profile that makes it suitable for various environments, from home use to office settings. While both switches provide pleasant auditory feedback, the Flaming Pink offers a more pronounced bottoming sound, whereas the Koala leans toward a more subdued, balanced tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, which offers an effortless typing experience. The lack of specific details on roughness or tactility suggests a focus on reliability and performance during use. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch features a stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump without overwhelming the user. This medium tactility, alongside its polished finish, offers reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. The stiffness of the Koala also requires more force for actuation, giving a more robust sensation during use. Overall, while the Flaming Pink emphasizes smoothness, the Koala delivers tactile feedback with a clear distinction during key presses.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Koala switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, although they cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink’s brighter sound and smooth feel create a premium experience well-suited for fast-paced activities, while the Koala's low-pitched, neutral sound and stepped tactility appeal to users who enjoy tactile feedback without excessive force. Depending on your desired experience, you can choose between the smooth responsiveness of the Flaming Pink or the nuanced tactility of the Koala, ensuring you'll find satisfaction in either switch for various computing tasks.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between TTC Flaming Pink linear switches and Durock Koala tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific use cases you have in mind. If you find yourself leaning towards smooth, responsive keystrokes that are easy on the fingers, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice, particularly if you engage in agile gaming or require quick, fluid typing for everyday tasks. Their lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for less strain during long sessions, making them ideal for those who favor speed and fluidity without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile experience with a pronounced bump that enhances your typing rhythm without being overwhelming, the Koala switches are the way to go. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, they offer a satisfying level of resistance that can help improve typing accuracy, especially for those who prefer that tangible feedback in their key presses. The signature low-pitched sound profile of the Koalas also provides a more mellow auditory experience, making them suitable for both workplace and home environments. Ultimately, whether you value smoothness and quietness or tactility and heft will guide your decision towards the Flaming Pink or the Durock Koala.
Mentioned in this article
