Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come to mind are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, also a tactile switch. The Durock Koalas are favored for their perfect balance between providing a punchy keystroke without overwhelming force. Their stepped tactility offers a pronounced bump without extending throughout the entire keystroke, accompanied by a bit of resonance without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are known for their subtle typing experience, offering gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback for a light touch. The Koala switch is characterized as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff, while the MX Brown switch is described as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. Each switch has its own unique traits that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
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
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Brown, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This results in a duller and rounder sound, rather than a sharp and crisp one. The similarities in bottom housing material suggest that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch.
However, when examining the top housing materials, the Durock Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. This contrast in top housing materials showcases the different sound profiles that can be achieved with varying plastic compositions.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Brown may come down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the Durock Koala's polycarbonate top housing provides a distinct sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a sharper and crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a duller and rounder sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Durock Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear, while the Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Koala. The bottom out force of the Koala is 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. These variations in force make the Koala a heavier option compared to the MX Brown. This difference is important to consider for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or those who prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer users the same amount of travel distance, resulting in a similar tactile typing experience. The identical travel distances of these switches mean that users can expect consistent feedback and keypress feel from both options. Both switches are ideal for individuals who prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate amount of travel distance. Overall, the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Brown switches offer an equal amount of travel distance, making them suitable choices for those looking for a tactile 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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone while not being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound, which offers a deeper and richer audio feedback during key presses. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, with the Koalas leaning towards a more neutral tone and the MX Browns offering a richer sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This means that it provides a smooth, refined typing experience with a noticeable bump that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is described as having a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. While the Koalas offer a more refined and structured tactile feedback, the MX Browns provide a slightly rougher texture that some users may prefer for a more unique typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a neutral and polished typing experience with a stepped tactility, while the MX Brown offers a bassy sound profile and a textured feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Koalas being more structured and refined, and the MX Browns offering a unique and slightly rougher typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the level of tactility and sound profile you prefer in your typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala switches might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switches could be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of feel and sound. Choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preference for sound feedback.
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