Durock Koala vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct options for different preferences. The Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between providing a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, catering to different typing styles and 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
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common feature, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same sharp and clear sound profile as the top housing.
The difference in housing materials between the Koala and the Lightning Silver V3 ultimately impacts the sound and feel of the switches. With the Koala featuring a nylon bottom housing and a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a combination of a deeper and fuller sound profile on keypresses along with a crisp and sharp sound when releasing a key. In comparison, the Lightning Silver V3's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings ensures a uniform sharp and clear sound profile throughout keypresses. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the placement of different housing materials in the Koala results in a split effect on sound quality, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may come down to personal preference in sound profile. If a user prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, both switches offer polycarbonate top housing. However, if a deeper and fuller sound profile is desired in keypresses, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a unique experience. For users focused on aesthetics and RGB lighting, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches provides an added visual element. Ultimately, understanding how different housing materials impact sound and feel can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 has a lower actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch. The Koala does not specify an actuation force, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a lighter actuation force. This means that the Koala will have a heavier feel when pressing down fully compared to the Lightning Silver V3. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Koala with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is clear that the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Koala's 4.0mm distance provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preference, with the Koala providing a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a shorter travel distance for those seeking a faster and more responsive typing experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. Depending on your preference for sound, the Koala offers a more subdued and neutral experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a more vibrant and lively auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth, refined, and moderately tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different preferences in terms of tactility and smoothness.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Durock Koala is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a silky smooth feel and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a fantastic option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Durock Koala tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force that provides a smooth and seamless typing experience with a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be the ideal option. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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