Durock Koala vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When debating between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and KTT Mint are often compared due to their distinct characteristics. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is praised for its perfect balance of tactile feedback, offering a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the KTT Mint, a linear switch, is loved for its smooth keystrokes and satisfyingly poppy thockiness. While the Koala provides a unique resonant feel, the Mint offers a light and fleeting typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, making it a tough choice for users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and KTT Mint use polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
On the other hand, the Koala and Mint differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Koala using nylon and the Mint also using nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite their identical bottom housing materials, the Koala and Mint may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on other factors such as the stem and spring design.
While both the Durock Koala and KTT Mint share similarities in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing, as well as nylon for the bottom housing, the impact of these materials may differ based on how they are utilized in the switch design. The distinct qualities of each housing material, such as the sharper sound profile from polycarbonate and deeper sound profile from nylon, will influence the overall typing experience for users. It is essential to consider how the combination of top and bottom housing materials affects the sound, feel, and overall performance of the switches when choosing between the Durock Koala and KTT Mint.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Mint has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light. This indicates that the Mint requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Koala. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint would be the better option, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatiguing effort. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Koala for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect to feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the typing experience in terms of travel distance will be indistinguishable. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and feedback.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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, both the Durock Koala and KTT Mint switches offer a low-pitched and neutral tone, making them suitable for a variety of environments. The Koala provides a bit of resonance without being overly loud, while the Mint delivers a poppy thockiness that adds to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced but not overwhelming tactility. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel with a smooth key travel. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and smoothness.
Overall, the Durock Koala offers a more pronounced and tactile typing experience with a stepped bump, while the KTT Mint provides a smooth and gentle linear feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences. You can expect quality performance and a satisfying typing experience from either switch, ensuring that your keystrokes are both enjoyable and efficient.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump and some resonance, the Koala is the way to go. It provides a polished and stepped tactile experience that is sure to satisfy. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and poppy thockiness, the Mint is the ideal choice. The Mint offers a mild and polished typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for tactility and force feedback. Choose wisely based on your personal typing style and preferences.
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