HMX Jelly vs. Durock Koala

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the HMX Jelly and the Durock Koala stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Jelly switch, known for its super smooth action and low-pitched thocky sound, offers a gentle 42g actuation force that ensures a lightweight and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a linear feel without tactile engagement. In contrast, the Durock Koala provides a unique tactile experience with its stepped tactility, delivering a pronounced bump while maintaining a balanced resonance without being overly loud. Ideal for typists who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, the Koala strikes a delightful balance between softness and firmness. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will largely depend on whether you favor a fluid, uninterrupted motion or a perceptible tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Durock Koala Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Jelly and the Durock Koala, one of the most notable differences is found in their top housing materials. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is a result of nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound vibrations, thus resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper and more resonant sound. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, it generates a higher-pitched sound profile that emphasizes clarity and projection. Users who prioritize a more subdued typing noise may favor the Jelly, while those who enjoy a crisper sound may gravitate toward the Koala.

Looking at the bottom housings, both switches share the same material: nylon. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches will have comparable characteristics. Nylon's softer properties will facilitate a deeper and rounder auditory effect when keys are pressed down, creating a consistent experience for users who value a softer actuation feedback. Although the top housings diverge in material and resulting sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a cohesive and rich typing feel.

Ultimately, the combination of different top materials and the common bottom housing in both the Jelly and the Koala presents an interesting synthesis of sound profiles. Users can expect the Jelly to provide a fuller, more muted response when bottoming out, thanks to the nylon components, while the Koala's polycarbonate upper creates a lively and high-pitched release. When considering their respective performances, one can appreciate how the different housing materials work in harmony; the Jelly's deeper tone is complemented by its consistent nylon base, while the Koala's sharper clarity is grounded in the same effective foundation. Thus, despite the distinctions in material choice for the top housings, the nylon bottoms maintain a vital connection between the two switches, merging individual qualities to create a balanced typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to the lower required force, which reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Koala switch has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force means that users might prefer the Koala if they seek a more substantial typing experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Ultimately, the HMX Jelly is the lighter option, while the Durock Koala is heavier, catering to different user preferences in terms of typing feel and finger fatigue considerations.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we find that the Jelly has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Koala measures 4 mm. This makes the Jelly the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its more responsive nature. In contrast, the Koala's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a deeper keypress for a hearty typing experience. Both switches reflect current trends, as shorter distances are becoming increasingly popular, but the Koala aligns more with traditional preferences. Therefore, users who value responsiveness and swiftness may lean toward the Jelly, while those who enjoy a more tactile and deeper experience might opt for the Koala.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is known for its low-pitched, thocky sound that lends itself to a deep, bass-heavy auditory experience. This sound signature adds a rich resonance to each keystroke, which, combined with the lightweight actuation force, creates a soothing yet engaging typing environment. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile with an emphasis on low-pitched tones that also resonates without being overly loud. This makes it versatile enough for a variety of settings while still providing an auditory feedback that many users appreciate. The Koala's sound is characterized as packing a punch—assertive yet pleasant—without overwhelming the user, allowing both quiet and enthusiastic typing without drawing too much attention.

When considering feel, the Jelly switch excels with its super smooth operation, largely attributed to excellent factory lube and a lightweight design that promotes effortless keystrokes. The overall experience is highly refined, allowing for fast and fluid typing. In contrast, the Durock Koala is characterized by its stepped tactility, delivering a pronounced bump that enhances tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. With a polished finish that minimizes friction, the Koala provides a medium tactile experience that balances undeniable feedback with comfort. While the Koala requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out, both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience in their own unique ways.

In conclusion, the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch cater to different preferences regarding sound and feel. The Jelly's deep thocky sound and extremely smooth keystrokes make it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter, low-pitched experience. Meanwhile, the Koala's stepped tactility and neutral yet resonant acoustic profile provide a versatile option for those who want a bit more feedback without excessive auditory distraction. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can satisfy a range of typing preferences, and users can select based on what aspects matter most to them in their keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, noise level, and the type of activity you'll be using your keyboard for. If you favor a lightweight, smooth typing experience with a low-pitched, deep thocky sound, the Jelly switch will be your best option, making it particularly suitable for fast-paced gaming or for those who enjoy a quieter typing atmosphere. In contrast, if you appreciate a more tactile experience where you can feel the keystrokes, the Koala switch is a great fit, offering a pronounced bump that enhances your feedback with each press, making it ideal for typing-intensive tasks or for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force adds a satisfying firmness that some typists find advantageous. Thus, consider what type of sound and feel you prefer, as well as how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, professional work, or casual typing—to select the switch that aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more