Durock Koala vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Koala and the Durock Medium Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but with their own distinct characteristics. The Koalas are favored by those who enjoy a tactile bump that is noticeable but not overwhelming, providing a satisfying keystroke that is not too loud. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock offers a more balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, making it a unique option for those looking for a different typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the Durock Medium Tactile feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches designed for RGB lighting. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetics from both the Koala and the Medium Tactile.
On the other hand, the Durock Koala incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Similarly, the Durock Medium Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Durock Koala and the Durock Medium Tactile offers a unique typing experience with a balance of clear, resonant sound and deep, full sound profiles. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with the Koala's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper sound profile with the nylon bottom housing of both switches, each housing material brings its own qualities to the typing experience, catering to different preferences.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch both have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Koala being slightly heavier at 67 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's 65 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. When considering weight, lighter switches are preferred by some for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, while others may prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Koala or the Medium Tactile switch will depend on your personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. This ensures a similar tactile typing experience for both switches, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is identical. Overall, whether you choose the Koala or the Medium Tactile switch, you can expect a similar typing feel due to their matching travel distances.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the sound of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is not specifically described. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala tactile switch is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that it offers smooth key travel, a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, a two-stage keystroke feel, and a higher actuation force requirement. In comparison, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This indicates that it also provides a smooth typing experience, a balanced amount of tactility, a two-stage keystroke feel, and reduced friction for smoother key travel.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a low-pitched sound profile and a more pronounced tactility with a stiffer feel, the Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced sound signature and a gentler typing experience with a medium amount of tactility. Depending on your preference for sound and key feel, you can choose between these two switches to customize your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a more pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Durock Koala may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactility, a jelly-like sound signature, and a smoother typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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