Durock Koala vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Koalas are known for their balanced tactile feedback, providing a pronounced bump without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Moyu Blacks offer a sharp and strong tactile feel with a premium typing experience, featuring a distinctive upstroke bump for a hypertactile sensation. While the Koalas are categorized as polished, low-pitched, and neutral, the Moyu Blacks are characterized as accented, resonant, and sharp. Ultimately, the Koalas may be preferable for those seeking a middle ground tactile experience, while the Moyu Blacks are suited for those looking for a more intense and impactful 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Koala's housing materials offer a distinct contrast in sound profiles compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing that provides a neutral sound profile, neither crisp nor dull. This difference in top housing material results in a noticeable variation in the overall sound produced by these switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches showcase different materials that impact the sound profile. The Koala's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer properties that absorb more sound and create a rounder tone. Meanwhile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) boasts a PBT bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material further emphasizes the distinct sound profile each switch provides, catering to varying preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Koala and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) plays a crucial role in defining their unique sound profiles. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharp and resonant sound with a fuller tone, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT top and bottom housings offer a neutral sound profile that is neither too crisp nor too dull. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on these housing material choices, showcasing the importance of understanding how these components impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we see some similarities and differences. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Koala may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for longer periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Moyu Black's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. Therefore, the travel distance of these two switches is equal, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of keypress feel and feedback. It is worth noting that the travel distance of 4mm is considered to be within the standard range for tactile switches, providing a satisfying amount of travel for users. In conclusion, whether you choose the Durock Koala or the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, you can expect a consistent and familiar 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 Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 comparing the sound of the Durock Koala and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches, the Koala offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) delivers a resonant sound, featuring a higher-pitched and sharp sound profile for a unique auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Durock Koala is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable tactility that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is known for its accented and sharp tactile feel, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches offer a distinct tactile experience, with the Koala having a stepped tactility while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a sharper and stronger tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a more neutral and polished sound and feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) delivers a resonant sound and sharp tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer premium and impactful typing experiences, each with its own distinctive characteristics to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't cover the entire keystroke and offers a middle ground in terms of tactility, the Durock Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a sharp and distinct tactile feel, featuring a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump, leading to a hypertactile typing experience, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a polished and stepped tactility (Koala) or a medium-heavy switch with an accented and sharp tactility (Moyu Black) to enhance your typing experience.
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