Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two contenders stand out: the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Orange, a linear switch. The Durock Koala is often regarded as an excellent middle ground for users who appreciate a tactile feel without extreme resistance. Its stepped tactility offers a pronounced bump during keystrokes, providing a satisfying feedback that enhances typing accuracy while maintaining a pleasant resonance that won’t disrupt your workspace. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches cater to those who prefer a smoother and more consistent keystroke, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing sessions where uninterrupted flow is key. The MX Orange switches revive the vintage appeal of their original design, enhanced for contemporary use, which attracts enthusiasts of tactile responsiveness. While both switches have unique characteristics suited to different user preferences, they each offer compelling reasons to integrate them into your setup. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Orange switches, one can observe distinct differences in their top housing, while their bottom housings share similar characteristics. The Durock Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which conveys a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This fundamental difference in materials results in varying auditory experiences for users when the keys are pressed or released.
Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which leads to a more uniform sound profile during operation. The nylon used in both the Koala and MX Orange contributes to a full, rounded quality in the sound produced when a key bottoms out. Since the bottom housing is responsible for the feel and the lower-end acoustics, this commonality ensures that users will experience a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressing the keys, regardless of the differences in the top housings. Thus, while the two switches may differ in their sound profiles due to the contrasting materials in the top housings, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom will provide a shared auditory experience during key presses.
In consideration of the overall performance and tactile feedback of each switch, the differing top housing materials play a pivotal role in shaping user experience. A user typing on the Koala will notice a brighter, more resonant sound when releasing the key, thanks to the polycarbonate top, while the Cherry MX Orange will produce a smoother, more muted sound when the key is released due to its nylon construction. Therefore, while both switches share the same material for their bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out experience, the unique top housing compositions will lead to varied results that reflect the intended sound profiles and responsive characteristics of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we find significant differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Koala switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, while its bottom out force is recorded at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch requires a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that typists who prefer a more substantial push may lean toward the Koala switch due to its higher bottom out force, while those favoring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Cherry MX Orange more suitable. Ultimately, if the actuation forces were to be comparable, users could expect a similar typing experience; however, the known heaviness of the Koala at the bottom out point may appeal more to those seeking tactile feedback. Thus, the Cherry MX Orange is the lighter option, whereas the Durock Koala is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This similarity indicates that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a comparable feel and feedback during typing or gaming. Therefore, if you prefer one switch over the other for reasons beyond travel distance, you can expect similar tactile responses and performance due to their identical specifications in this aspect.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a more mellow, bass-heavy sound that complements its tactile feedback without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or the office, as it maintains a moderate sound profile that isn’t intrusive. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange does not have detailed sound characteristics provided, but as a linear switch, it's typically quieter than tactile or clicky switches. Nonetheless, if you prefer a less pronounced sound, both switches can lead to a relatively similar experience, especially depending on your keyboard design and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Koala excels with its polished, accented, and stepped tactile design. It offers a smooth typing experience due to reduced friction, thanks to quality materials and potential factory lubing. The tactility is prominent without being overwhelming, creating a great balance for users who desire feedback without excessive resistance. Additionally, the Koala's stiffness means users will exert more force, which can be favorable for those who prefer a more engaged typing experience. The feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches is not described, but typically linear switches focus on smoothness and do not provide tactile feedback, leading to a different typing experience compared to the tactile nature of the Koalas.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out for its sound characteristics and tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for users seeking engaged feedback and a refined audio profile. The experience associated with the Cherry MX Orange switches remains less defined but is generally smoother due to their linear nature. For individuals exploring mechanical keyboards, understanding these qualities will help you choose a switch that best aligns with your preferences in both sound and feel. Ultimately, if you lean towards the smooth and muted characteristics, you’ll find both switches can provide satisfactory results, albeit through different mechanisms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback but prefer something that balances responsiveness with comfort, the Durock Koala may be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, combined with its polished and accented feel, ensures that you receive satisfying tactile feedback without overwhelming sound or effort. Additionally, the low-pitched and neutral sound profile makes it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office. However, if you seek a smoother typing experience devoid of tactile bumps and don't mind a linear feel, the Cherry MX Orange switches could be ideal. These switches cater to those who prefer a more straightforward, uninterrupted keystroke, which can enhance typing speed or gaming performance. Ultimately, consider the tactile feedback, sound preferences, and the overall typing feel that aligns with your personal preferences when making your decision.
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