Durock Koala vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch. The Durock Koalas are celebrated for their balanced design, offering a pronounced yet subtle tactile bump that creates an engaging typing experience without overwhelming auditory feedback. Their polished, low-pitched resonance makes them accessible to users who enjoy tactile feedback while still seeking a quieter option. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches provide a unique typing experience characterized by a clean, low sound, thanks to their magnetic mechanism. Designed to work seamlessly with Wooting keyboards, these switches stand out for their innovative approach, appealing to those who prioritize a modern, low-noise solution. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Neo Lavender HE will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Neo Lavender HE, a discernible difference is immediately evident between their top housings. The Durock Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material not only contributes to the sound characteristics but also enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE uses a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic. This choice yields a deeper and fuller sound profile but may lack the clarity provided by polycarbonate. Consequently, while the Koala may provide more vibrant auditory feedback during typing, the Lavender HE aims for a more muted and rounded sound experience.
Both the Durock Koala and the Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings, unifying their characteristics in that particular aspect. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb more sound, producing a fuller and more profound sound profile, which appears to be consistent across both switch models. Since the bottom housing fundamentally influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, both switches likely deliver a similar typing experience in this regard. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing means that both switches will offer an enjoyable, cushioned feel and a deeper auditory feedback when the key is pressed down.
Ultimately, the contrast between the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Neo Lavender HE creates a unique balance in overall sound output. The Koala’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom lead to a distinct sound profile that can be described as crisp and full, while the Lavender HE’s nylon top and bottom cater to a more subdued and rich auditory experience. Because of these differences, the Koala is better suited for those who favor clarity and brightness in their typing sound, while the Lavender HE is ideal for users who prefer a more muted feel. Despite these differences, the similarity in bottom housing material assures a consistent quality in sound absorption and tactile feedback across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala's actuation force is unspecified, but its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. This suggests that the Koala is significantly heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Lavender HE. Despite the lack of a specified actuation force for the Koala, the combination of its known bottom out force and the lighter nature of the Lavender HE clearly delineates the preferences users might have based on their typing style and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference illustrates a noticeable preference depending on user experience: the Koala offers a more traditional feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keypress, while the Lavender HE's shorter distance might cater to gamers seeking quicker response times. Users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback might find the Koala more satisfying, whereas those who favor fast actuation without the weightiness may lean towards the Neo Lavender. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences for travel sensitivity and actuation feel.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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, the Durock Koala tactile switch produces a low-pitched and neutral tone, offering a mellow and balanced auditory experience. This low-pitched characteristic gives it a slightly bass-heavy sound that isn’t too overpowering, making it versatile for various environments—whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is noted for its clean, low sound, which distinguishes itself from traditional mechanical switches thanks to its magnetic design. However, without additional details on its specific sound profile, it’s hard to draw direct comparisons. Overall, while both switches are designed to keep noise in check, the Koala offers a more nuanced auditory experience with its resonance, whereas the Lavender HE excels through its clarity.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala is refined with a polished, accented tactile response that users find appealing. Its stepped design contributes to a unique typing experience that combines a pronounced bump without overwhelming the typist, allowing for comfortable feedback during use. The Koala is also noted for being stiff, requiring a deliberate amount of force for actuation, which can be advantageous for typists who prefer a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE is less defined, as there’s no information provided about its tactile or actuation qualities. Therefore, while the Koala offers a detailed tactile experience, the characteristics of the Lavender HE remain unknown.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch is recognized for its low-pitched, nuanced sound and its polished, stepped tactile feel, making it suitable for a range of users seeking a balanced typing experience. Meanwhile, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is marked by its clean and low auditory profile, its tactile qualities are not specified. Ultimately, if you prefer a clear and mild sound, you might lean toward the Lavender HE, whereas the Koala is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile punch with their keystrokes within a slightly more resonant sound environment. Both switches, depending on individual preferences and use cases, provide excellent typing experiences, just in different capacities.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a robust tactile experience with a pronounced bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, the Koala is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams makes it suitable for users who prefer a firmer feel when typing or gaming, while its low-pitched sound profile ensures a discreet yet pleasant auditory experience. In contrast, if you prioritize a lighter touch and a clean, low sound, the Neo Lavender HE is a fantastic choice. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it caters well to those who prefer a quick and effortless keystroke, particularly when using compatible Wooting keyboards. The Lavender HE's distinguishing characteristics make it an excellent fit for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where speed and precision are essential. Therefore, assess your typing style, the sound level you’re comfortable with, and the overall feel you desire to make the best switch for your needs.
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