Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its creamy yet lightweight feel, thanks to its Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon material blend. Unlubricated but slightly textured out of the box, these switches are ideal for users who prefer to hand-lube their switches. In contrast, the Durock Koala provides a balanced tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the keystroke. Additionally, it offers a bit of resonance without being too loud. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Durock Koala is characterized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, it's important to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw features a unique Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Durock Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw is exclusive and offers a different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate used in the Koala. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, while the Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw may produce a different sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, which is a feature not directly associated with the Keygeek Raw.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend that is also exclusive to their switches, while the Durock Koala uses a classic nylon bottom housing. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw may offer a different sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Koala. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in material properties may result in a different typing experience between the two switches.
When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and the bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing will be most noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. While both switches offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Koala will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of None grams, meaning they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw is lighter with 57.5 grams compared to the Koala's 67 grams. This makes the Keygeek Raw more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Koala's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel of the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Keygeek Raw's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Durock Koala's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and users, making it a versatile option. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, striking a balance between being audible without being overly obtrusive. Ultimately, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles that cater to different preferences and situations, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience regardless of the choice made.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a slightly textured typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate a bit of friction when typing. It offers a mild and subtle resistance, along with a lightweight feel that is easy on the fingers. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished and accented typing experience, with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Koalas feature a stepped design that provides a unique two-stage tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience for users who enjoy a distinct key feel. Both switches offer distinct feels that cater to different preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The Keygeek Raw stands out with its unique material blend that offers a creamy and lightweight feel, while the Durock Koala strikes a balance with a stepped tactile feedback that packs a punch without being overwhelming. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lightweight linear switch that you can easily hand-lube to customize to your preference, the Keygeek Raw would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that is not too overwhelming, the Durock Koala would be a better fit. Consider the sound and feel preferences described for each switch to further guide your decision making process. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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