HMX Gravel vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel 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 Gravel and the Durock Koala can make a significant impact on your typing experience. The HMX Gravel, celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and refined feel, offers a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive and effortless typing journey, making it an ideal selection for those who prioritize speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Koala presents a tactile experience, striking a balance between a pronounced bump and a smooth transition, catering to users who enjoy a clearer tactile response without excessive loudness. The Koala’s stepped tactility serves as a middle ground, providing just enough resistance to keep your fingers engaged while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the linear, fluid motion of the Gravel or the tactile feedback of 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and Durock Koala both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which directly influences the auditory characteristics and aesthetics of the switches. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This consistency in material choice means that users can expect a clear and resonant sound when typing, along with the added benefit of translucency that allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively. The shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Gravel and Koala reinforces the qualities associated with premium sound and visual appeal.
In contrasting the bottom housings, both the Gravel and Koala switches utilize nylon, a material heralded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves more efficiently, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience than harder plastics. This shared characteristic means that the switches will deliver a similar tactile experience while typing. With nylon in the bottom housing of both switches, users can expect a rich bottom-out sound that enhances the overall auditory experience, providing a cohesive feel across both models.
When it comes to the interaction between the top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material contribute distinctly to the overall performance of the switches. While both the Gravel and Koala showcase the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon, the impact of these materials varies depending on whether the key is being pressed down or released. The nylon bottom housing will mainly influence the sound and feel upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate top housing will enhance the sound when releasing the key. Despite the similarities in materials, these variances allow each switch to maintain its unique character while delivering a cohesive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, some notable differences emerge. The Gravel switch features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, where minimal resistance can enhance comfort and endurance. In contrast, the Koala switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience that many enthusiasts prefer. This makes the Koala switch better suited for users who enjoy a firmer feedback when typing. Overall, the Gravel is the lighter option, while the Koala leans towards a medium-heavy touch, offering distinct tactile experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the Gravel, you will experience slightly less travel compared to the more pronounced feel of the Koala switch. Gamers may appreciate the Gravel's shorter distance for faster response times, as shorter travel can lead to quicker key presses. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience may gravitate towards the Koala, which offers that extra depth with its 4 mm travel. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a snappier, more responsive feel, the Gravel would be the better choice, while the Koala caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it's essential to highlight their distinct audio profiles. The Gravel's sound quality can be characterized as smooth and quiet since linear switches generally produce less noise compared to tactile and clicky switches, making them suitable for use in quieter environments. In contrast, the Koala's sound signature is low-pitched and neutral. This combination allows for a mellow tone that's not overly intrusive while providing a satisfying auditory response when the tactility is engaged. Both switches aim to create an unobtrusive typing experience; however, the Koala’s unique low-pitched resonance can add a touch of personality and character to the overall sound, particularly favored by those who enjoy a tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, characteristic of linear switches that completely omit tactile bumps. This smoothness allows for seamless keypresses, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable for long sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Koala presents a more complex feel with its stepped tactility. They offer a noticeable bump during actuation, contributing to a tactile feedback that is accentuated yet not overwhelming. With polished finishes and a medium tactile feel, the Koala allows for an enjoyable typing experience that balances tactile feedback with comfort, giving users a choice between robust feedback and smoothness depending on their preferences.
In summary, while both the HMX Gravel and Durock Koala switches appeal to different aspects of typing enjoyment, they cater to varied needs and sensations. The Gravel's smooth, linear action suits those who prefer a quieter and seamless typing experience, whereas the Koala provides a delightful tactile feedback without being overly loud, making it an excellent middle ground for users who enjoy some resistance without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a unhindered, smooth keystroke or seeks the engaging yet non-intrusive tactile feedback of the Koala.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience, the Gravel switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, it’s ideal for those who appreciate a responsive, effortless action without the distraction of a tactile bump. This makes it especially suitable for extended typing sessions or if you prefer a quieter, less pronounced keystroke while working or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy feeling a distinct tactile response while you type, the Durock Koala is tailored for you. Offering a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, it strikes a balance that delivers a satisfying tactile bump without being overwhelming, making it great for typists who want feedback on their keystrokes. The Koala also caters well to those who appreciate a touch of resonance without excessive sound, so you can enjoy a more engaging typing experience. In short, choose the Gravel for smoothness and lightness, and the Koala for tactile feedback and a more robust feel.
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