KTT Kang White vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Kang White, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch. The Kang White is praised for its exquisite poppy linear feel and dazzling typing sound, thanks to its self-lubricating material that provides unparalleled smoothness. Categorized as low-pitched and neutral, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a sleek and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Koala stands out for its balanced tactile feedback, offering a noticeable bump without overwhelming the keystroke. Classified as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff, the Koala provides a satisfying keystroke experience with a bit of resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Kang White utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer plastic.
On the other hand, the Durock Koala also features a polycarbonate top housing like the Kang White, providing similar sound characteristics. The distinct difference lies in the bottom housing material, as the Koala also utilizes nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the Kang White. The split qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch impact the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the KTT Kang White and the Durock Koala offer similar sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate top housings. The differences in housing materials between the two switches reside in the bottom housing, with the Kang White using nylon and the Koala following suit. This variation in bottom housing material impacts the typing experience, creating unique sound profiles for each switch. Whether the top and bottom housings differ or are the same, both switches aim to provide users with a distinct typing experience based on the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Kang White linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Kang White has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the Kang White requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the Koala provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, it can be said that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from top to bottom. Users can expect similar feedback and performance from both switches due to their matching travel distances. In conclusion, the KTT Kang White and Durock Koala switches both provide a 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a uniform typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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, both the KTT Kang White and Durock Koala switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various settings and preferences. The Kang White offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Koala provides a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Overall, the sound experience is subjective and can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and typing technique.
Moving on to feel, the Kang White switch does not have specific descriptors provided in the information. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that the Koala switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering. The stepped feel of the switch provides a unique tactile feedback with distinct stages during the keystroke, and the stiffness requires a higher actuation force, giving a more controlled typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Kang White linear switch and Durock Koala tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kang White excels in providing a smooth and poppy linear typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Koala strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness, with a more polished feel and a stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with smooth linear typing, the Kang White would be a great pick. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a polished feel, the Durock Koala switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a smooth and dazzling typing experience with a poppy linear switch, the KTT Kang White would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance without being overly loud, the Durock Koala would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Kang White and the Koala comes down to your personal preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific typing experience you are looking for in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what feels best for you before making a decision.
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