Dareu Holly vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Holly and the Durock Koala are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities for different preferences. The Dareu Holly switch is known for its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch provides a stepped tactility with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, perfect for those who want a punchier typing feel without being too overwhelming. While the Holly is categorized as chirpy, clacky, and neutral, the Koala is categorized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff. These general pointers can help guide your decision, but diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately allow you to choose the one that best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and the Durock Koala both share a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is also visually appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Holly features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Koala also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, sharing this characteristic with the Holly.
That being said, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Dareu Holly and the Durock Koala results in a similar typing experience, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing material is most noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to the sound when releasing a key, creating a sharper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, while there may be slight differences between the two switches in terms of their housing materials, the overall typing experience is likely to be comparable due to their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Koala switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch to type for longer periods, the Holly switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more pronounced typing feel may lean towards the Koala switch for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch is the same, both having a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing the two switches, it can be concluded that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and keypress feel from both switches. Overall, the Dareu Holly and Durock Koala switches offer a similar travel distance, making them suitable choices for those looking for a particular typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Dareu Holly switch stands out for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a distinctive typing experience that is both lively and crisp. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a bit of resonance, giving users a bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for a variety of users. The final sound result will depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Holly's specific qualities in this aspect are unknown. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch is known for providing a polished and refined typing experience, thanks to its smooth finish and reduced friction. Additionally, the Koala switch offers an accented tactile feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is noticeable without being overpowering. The stepped tactility of the Koala switch also adds an interesting dynamic to the typing experience, allowing users to feel distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages during keystrokes. Furthermore, the Koala switch falls into the category of stiff switches, meaning users will need to apply a higher amount of force for actuation and bottoming out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Durock Koala switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Holly switch provides a lively and distinctive typing experience with its chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Koala switch offers a more subdued and polished sound with a pronounced bump in tactility. Both switches can provide a balanced typing experience for users, with the final result depending on individual preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup. Whether choosing the Holly or Koala switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a unique sound signature with a balanced typing experience, the Holly switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being too loud, the Koala switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly or the polished and accented feel of the Koala. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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