TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique benefits and characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that suits various environments. On the other hand, the Koala strikes a balance between tactile feedback and noise, offering a pronounced bump without being excessively loud. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability, the Koala provides a satisfying tactile response without being overwhelming. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Koala, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. The similarity in their top housing material means that users can expect a consistent sound and feel when typing on either switch.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material used by each switch. While the Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, the Durock Koala also utilizes a nylon bottom housing with similar characteristics. This means that regardless of the bottom housing material, both switches are likely to produce a more muffled and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
Ultimately, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches affects the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both the Gold Red Pro and the Durock Koala ensures a consistent, clear, and resonant sound profile that is enhanced by RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom-out forces. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. On the other hand, the Koala has a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force for the Koala is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly to the Gold Red Pro in that aspect. Overall, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option, while those seeking a heavier and more tactile feel may lean towards the Durock Koala.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Koala switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Koala offering a slightly more extended keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Red Pro offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Koala delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature with a bit of resonance, making it a good middle ground for those who want a tactile experience without being too loud. Both switches provide a harmonious typing sound that is pleasant to the ears and won't be disruptive in shared spaces.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. Conversely, the Durock Koala is also polished with an accented, stepped, and stiff feel, offering a balance of tactility without being overwhelming or too difficult to press. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing feel that is comfortable for extended use, making them versatile options for various typing preferences and styles.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different user preferences. While the Gold Red Pro excels in providing a neutral sound profile and a polished, smooth feel, the Koala stands out with its stepped tactility and balanced sound signature. Depending on whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing experience, both switches offer reliable performance and versatility for a wide range of typing tasks, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying typing experience across different usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. Choose the Gold Red Pro if you prefer a switch with a seamless typing experience that is adaptable to various settings such as gaming, office work, and casual typing sessions. The Gold Red Pro also offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile with a polished, silky, mild, and subtle feel. On the other hand, opt for the Durock Koala if you desire a switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance without being overly loud. The Koala provides a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth and versatile typing experience (Gold Red Pro) or a tactile and resonant keystroke (Durock Koala).
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