Durock Koala vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and HMX Macchiato offer distinct yet compelling experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Durock Koala stands out as a tactile switch, providing a stepped tactility that delivers a pronounced bump without overwhelming the user. This design strikes a perfect balance for those who enjoy a rewarding keystroke feel that includes some resonance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without creating excessive noise. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, a linear switch from YG Studio, caters to those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke paired with a bright sound profile. Its linearity ensures that every press is swift and seamless, ideal for rapid typing or intense gaming scenarios. With these differing characteristics, choosing between the tactile feedback of the Durock Koala and the silky smoothness of the HMX Macchiato ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the HMX Macchiato exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Durock Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic allows the Koala to resonate with clarity, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a more defined auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is less crisp but has a smooth, rounded quality. For users who favor RGB lighting, the Koala’s translucent polycarbonate material plays a pivotal role in enhancing visual aesthetics, while the Macchiato's opaque nylon top may not provide the same luminous effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Durock Koala and the HMX Macchiato utilize nylon materials, which yields similar auditory characteristics. The use of nylon in both cases fosters a deeper and more resonant sound profile, as the material's inherent softness enables it to absorb sound more than harder plastics. Therefore, regardless of the disparity in their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches create a consistent experience in terms of sound depth. As a result, both switches will output a mellow bottom-out sound, although the overall auditory experience may vary depending on which top material is being used.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the differing top and matching bottom housings lead to distinct but complementary experiences with the Durock Koala and the HMX Macchiato. The crisp, resonant sounds of the Koala's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a clear auditory response that is well-suited for typists who appreciate articulation. Conversely, the Macchiato's complete nylon construction offers a more subdued experience, appealing to those who prefer a warmer typing sound. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, the use of different top housing materials means that users will ultimately experience a variation in sound and feel based on their choice of switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Macchiato switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that the Koala switch will likely provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel, while the Macchiato is better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming, thanks to its lighter actuation force. Overall, the Koala is the heavier switch, which may appeal to users seeking a pronounced tactile experience, while the Macchiato caters to those who favor an easier key press.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when pressed, they will provide the same feel in terms of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will experience comparable key press actions when using either switch, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a consistent travel distance in their mechanical keyboards. Since both switches operate within the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key actuation.
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 HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 delivers a low-pitched tone that tends to be bass-heavy and mellow, creating an ambiance that is both resonant and pleasant without becoming overly loud. This neutral sound profile means it fits well in various settings, be it a quiet office or a more public environment, making it versatile for different users. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Macchiato linear switch are less defined in the provided information, leaving uncertainty about its auditory experience and overall presence.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala shines with its polished texture that results from quality materials and potential factory lubing, ensuring a smooth typing journey. The switch features an accented, stepped tactile design, allowing users to experience a medium level of tactility that won’t overwhelm them. As a result, the overall actuation feels sturdy yet refined. With a stiffer profile requiring more force, the Koala caters to those who enjoy a physically engaging typing experience. The HMX Macchiato, meanwhile, lacks detailed information on its feel qualities, leaving an open question regarding its tactile response and overall typing sensation.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched, neutral sound and its polish, accentuated tactility, and deliberate stiffness, creating an engaging typing experience suitable for various environments. Without specific details on the HMX Macchiato, its sound and feel remain a mystery, but if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and bright sound, the Macchiato may still appeal to you. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: the Koala offers a rich tactile experience, while the Macchiato may satisfy those who appreciate a smoother linear approach, with the promise of potentially similar results in sound depending on user setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy feel, the Koala is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy the sensation of a step in your keystrokes without overwhelming yourself with loudness or harshness. Its low-pitched, neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both typing at home and in more professional environments, while the polished finish enhances your experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a silky smooth typing experience, the Macchiato is likely the switch for you. Its lighter actuation force makes it perfect for rapid typing, and its bright sound profile can add a bit of character to your keystrokes. These two switches cater to different needs: choose the Koala for that tactile response and stability, or the Macchiato for a graceful linear experience that allows you to glide swiftly from one key to the next. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, depending on what you value most in your typing routine.
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