Keygeek Keylin vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Koala offer contrasting yet appealing characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth action and premium typing feel, providing users with a seamless experience enhanced by rich acoustics. This switch caters to those who appreciate a quiet, uninterrupted keystroke, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists who favor rapid, linear responses. On the other hand, the Durock Koala presents a tactile switch that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness. With its stepped tactility, it introduces a satisfying bump during activation without overwhelming the user with noise, appealing to those who relish a bit of tactile feedback without excessive sound. Each switch offers unique benefits depending on your typing style and environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housings of the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Koala, a striking contrast emerges due to the differing materials used. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties and ability to absorb sound effectively. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Koala utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the typing sounds but also allows for greater light diffusion, making it a better choice for RGB lighting applications. Consequently, while both switches aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences, their top housings cater to differing preferences in sound profiles and aesthetic considerations.
The bottom housings of both switches offer a unifying feature, as both the Keylin and Koala incorporate nylon for this component. This similarity means that the typing experience regarding the bottom-out sound and feel will largely be consistent between the two switches. Nylon's characteristics lend themselves to a deeper, fuller sound when keys are actuated, ensuring that both switches resonate similarly upon bottoming out. Since the bottom housing exerts a more substantial influence on the tactile feedback during keystrokes, users can expect comparable performance in that regard, despite the variance in the top housing materials.
Overall, the mixed material choices between the Keygeek Keylin and Durock Koala demonstrate how the interplay of different plastics can influence the typing experience. While the nylon top housing of the Keylin emphasizes a muted sound profile, the Koala's polycarbonate housing takes on a sharper acoustic character. However, since both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, users can anticipate a similar tactile sensation upon keypress and bottoming out. This fusion of various materials allows keyboard enthusiasts to fine-tune their preferences in terms of sound and feedback, ensuring that there is a suitable option for a wide range of typing styles and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, such as those engaging in long work sessions or extensive gaming marathons. In contrast, the Koala lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests that while the actuation force remains unknown, the Koala's heavier bottom out force would likely require a more substantial push, appealing to users who favor a firmer key feel for enhanced tactile feedback. Therefore, the Keylin is the lighter switch, suited for extended use without fatigue, while the Koala is heavier, catering to individuals who desire a stronger push sensation in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Keylin switch provides a slightly shorter and more responsive experience compared to the Koala switch, which may feel more substantial and traditional for users who appreciate a deeper keypress. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the Keylin might be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Koala may appeal to users who enjoy the tactile feedback and depth of a longer press. Therefore, if you favor a more rapid and less abrupt experience, the Keylin switch is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its rich acoustics, making for a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This premium sound quality, paired with its linear nature, ensures a smoother and quieter keystroke, though the specific sound traits may vary based on the keyboard it’s used with and the choice of keycaps. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch delivers a distinct auditory profile characterized by its low-pitched and neutral tones. With its subtle resonance, the Koala offers a sound that is neither overpowering nor overly quiet, making it versatile for different environments, from work to home settings.
In terms of tactile feel, the Keylin switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness; however, the specifics regarding its tactile feedback and overall sensation are not detailed. In contrast, the Koala switch excels in providing a polished, refined touch experience, resulting from high-quality materials and likely factory lubing. Its stepped design adds a degree of tactility that gives just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for someone who enjoys a pronounced yet manageable tactile bump. Additionally, the Koala’s stiffness means that users will need to apply more force, making it potentially more satisfying for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Overall, the Keylin and Durock Koala switches cater to different preferences within the keyboard community. The Keylin offers a smooth, quieter typing experience with rich acoustics, while the Koala provides a balanced tactile sensation with a distinctive yet moderated auditory profile. Choose the Keylin if smoothness and sound quality are your priorities, and opt for the Koala if you want a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between pronounced and subtle.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing style are key factors. If you favor a lighter touch with a smooth and premium typing experience, the Keylin is an excellent choice. Its low bottom-out force of 48 grams allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for long writing sessions or if you simply enjoy a light keypress without any tactile feedback. Moreover, if you're looking for rich acoustics and an overall satisfying sound profile, the Keylin's design will cater well to your needs. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a keypress and prefer a more pronounced keystroke, the Durock Koala will suit you beautifully. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, it offers a satisfying bump thanks to its stepped tactility, making it feel responsive without being too overwhelming. Its polished feel and low-pitched sound provide a balanced typing experience that accommodates both novice and advanced users, making it well-suited for gaming or work environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a smooth linear experience or a tactile one that offers that definite "punch" as you type.
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