Jerrzi Orange vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Orange and the Durock Koala stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Jerrzi Orange is a linear switch known for its lightweight feel and audible feedback, making it a lively choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a middle ground for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump but not overly loud. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
37g
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
3.70 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 Jerrzi Orange and Durock Koala both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share these characteristics in their top housings, their differences lie in their bottom housings.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Jerrzi Orange and Durock Koala are made of nylon, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing, with the bottom housing contributing more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their different bottom housings, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the properties of nylon.
Overall, the Jerrzi Orange and Durock Koala provide a balanced combination of materials in their housing design, with polycarbonate enhancing the sound profile in the top housing and nylon enriching the sound in the bottom housing. While their top housings are identical in material and characteristics, the bottom housings differentiate the two switches in terms of sound experience. Whether using the Jerrzi Orange or Durock Koala, users can expect a distinct typing experience that highlights the unique qualities of each housing material.
Weight
The actuation force of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch is 37 grams, while the actuation force of the Durock Koala tactile switch is unknown. The bottom out force of the Orange switch is unlisted, while the bottom out force of the Koala switch is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Orange switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Koala switch. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for longer durations. On the other hand, the Koala switch offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who enjoy a firmer push when typing. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on preference for actuation force and bottom out force for the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Orange switch offers a faster response time, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Koala switch provides a slightly deeper feeling with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial keystroke. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Overall, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for speed and responsiveness, the Jerrzi Orange switch would be the better option, while those looking for a slightly longer travel distance may prefer the Durock Koala switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Orange linear switch offers a clacky and lively typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. Both switches offer distinctive auditory feedback, with the Orange being more vibrant and percussive, while the Koala leans towards a more subdued and balanced sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Orange switch is known for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished and accented, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the stepped design of the Koala provides a unique two-stage tactile feedback, enhancing the typing feel for those who prefer a pronounced bump without it being too stiff.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange and Durock Koala switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Orange provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a lightweight feel, the Koala offers a more balanced and polished tactile feedback with a pronounced bump. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Orange being more vibrant and audible, and the Koala delivering a nuanced tactile experience without being overly loud. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, enthusiasts can choose between the lively responsiveness of the Orange or the refined tactility of the Koala for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you appreciate a lightweight and lively typing experience with a crisp and audible feedback, the Jerrzi Orange switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala switches would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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