Durock Koala vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both offer tactile feedback, but with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Koalas are a great choice for those who desire a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't dominate the entire keystroke, providing a satisfying feel without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are known for their gentle and smooth tactility, combined with a neutral sound profile that is pleasing to the ears. While the Koalas offer a bit of resonance and a more 'stepped' feel, the Meteor Oranges are described as 'thocky' and polished. Both switches have their own unique qualities that set them apart, making them appealing options for different types of keyboard enthusiasts. 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
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to stiffer plastics. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in this aspect.
On the other hand, the Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange will create a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a different sound experience. This contrast highlights how the choice of material for the top housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Meteor Orange showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of polycarbonate for the Koala's top housing creates a distinct sound profile compared to the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing. Understanding the properties of each material is essential for selecting a switch that aligns with personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala and SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches reveals some notable differences. The Koala switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Meteor Orange switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, putting it in the medium-light category. While the actuation force for both switches is listed as None grams, indicating that it is unknown, the difference in bottom out force suggests that the Koala switch may provide a slightly firmer typing experience compared to the lighter Meteor Orange switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Meteor Orange may be the better choice. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Koala switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. This means that regardless of which switch is used, users can expect a consistent travel distance when typing. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, offering a comparable tactile typing experience for users.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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, both the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. While the Koala offers a low-pitched tone with a bit of resonance, the Meteor Orange provides a thocky sound that is deep and satisfying. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can deliver a pleasant auditory experience, with the Koala leaning towards a bass-heavy mellow tone and the Meteor Orange offering a richer thocky sound.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala switch is highlighted for its polished and accented tactile feel, with a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without overwhelming the keystroke. Additionally, the Koala is known for being slightly stiff, requiring a higher actuation force compared to other switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactile feel that falls in the middle ground of switch characteristics. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a refined typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches differ slightly in sound and feel, they both offer a balanced and approachable typing experience. The Koala leans towards a more pronounced tactile feel with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Meteor Orange provides a softer tactility and a thocky sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can cater to your needs effectively, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Koala tactile switch or the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without being too loud, then the Koala may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a switch with a soft and seductive tactility, the Meteor Orange switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles, but the Koala has a low-pitched sound while the Meteor Orange has a thocky sound. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prefer a switch with a polished and refined feel like the Koala, or a switch with a mild and approachable typing experience like the Meteor Orange. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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