Bsun Hutt vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Hutt and the Durock Koala are two popular options to consider. The Bsun Hutt is praised for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Koala provides a middle ground for those who desire a noticeable tactility without it being overwhelming, featuring a stepped tactility that doesn't cover the full keystroke. Both switches have their unique characteristics, with the Hutt being described as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', and 'Sharp', while the Koala is known for being 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', and 'Stepped'. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through. However, while the top housing is the same for both switches, the Hutt's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Koala's nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
On the other hand, if we were to look at the Bsun Hutt and Durock Koala from a different angle, we would notice that the qualities each housing material brings to the switches are split between the top and bottom housings. While the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce similar sharp and clear sound profiles, but the differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Hutt's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile, while the Koala's provides a rounder sound due to its softer composition.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt and Durock Koala both showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate top housings to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. The differences arise in their nylon bottom housings, with the Hutt offering a deeper sound and the Koala providing a rounder sound due to their respective compositions. Overall, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences based on the combination of housing materials used in their design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Hutt is lighter in both aspects. The actuation force of the Hutt is 40 grams, whereas the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Hutt is 49 grams, which is still lighter than the Koala's bottom out force of 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Hutt would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Koala offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them favorable for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The Hutt's 3.5 mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel, while the Koala's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper press that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 Bsun Hutt switch provides a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so selecting one would depend on your desired auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt switch delivers a snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented tactile experience with a prominent tactile bump and high feedback intensity. The Durock Koala switch, on the other hand, provides a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff tactile feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with two-stage tactility. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that cater to different typing styles, so choosing between the two would depend on your preference for keypress feedback.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt and Durock Koala switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Hutt switch provides a resonant typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and sharp feedback, the Koala switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile and polished tactility with a two-stage feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on whether you prefer a higher-pitched, snappy typing experience or a low-pitched, polished keystroke feel. Both switches offer a delightful typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a sharp, resonant sound profile with a distinct tactile bump, the Hutt may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a stepped tactility, and a smooth, polished feel with a balanced sound profile, the Koala could be the switch that suits your typing style best. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you prioritize factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing feel. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one provides the typing experience you enjoy the most.
Mentioned in this article
