Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Purple RGB both stand out as excellent tactile options, yet they cater to slightly different preferences and experiences. The Durock Koala is celebrated for its well-balanced keystroke, delivering a pronounced, stepped tactility that provides a satisfying bump without overwhelming the user. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile feel without excessive noise, perfect for both gaming and typographical tasks. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a refined tactile sensation with a short, medium-strength bump, designed in close collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts for an elevated experience. This switch is particularly appealing for users looking for a more polished feel that enhances both gaming performance and typing efficiency. Both switches bring unique advantages to the table, allowing users to find their preferred tactile feedback in different gaming or typing scenarios. 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
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 Purple RGB switches, it becomes evident that they exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Koala's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and enhances the output of RGB lighting, making it visually striking. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller tone. The differences between these materials lead to distinct auditory experiences, with the Koala projecting crisper sounds while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more muted auditory profile.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, yielding similar sound dampening characteristics. This shared material choice means that both switches will produce a similar, deeper sound profile related to their bottom-out acoustics. The nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a less resonant experience when pressing the keys down completely. Hence, while the top housing configurations lead to contrasting auditory experiences when releasing a key, the bottom housing creates a level of uniformity in how both switches sound upon bottoming out.
Overall, the differing materials in the top housings underscore the diverse auditory characteristics between the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while the shared nylon in their bottoms provides a comparative element in overall performance. Users seeking a sharper response in sound may favor the Koala's polycarbonate top, particularly in RGB contexts, while those desiring a fuller typing experience may gravitate toward the MX Purple RGB. Ultimately, these switches showcase the profound impact that housing materials have on the tactile and auditory sensations of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force remains unspecified. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the better choice due to its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, the Durock Koala's heavier bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger resistance. Overall, while the Koala switch offers a firmer push, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a lighter feel, catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This commonality means that users can expect a comparable tactile response and actuation point from both switches, making either choice suitable for those who prefer a standardized typing experience. Since the travel distance is the same, it allows for uniformity in performance, regardless of which switch is used, thereby appealing to those who prioritize consistency in their mechanical keyboard setup.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 considering the sound profile of the Durock Koala tactile switch, it offers a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience. The low-pitched nature of the Koala provides a bass-heavy, mellow tone, which can be pleasant and unobtrusive for both work and play. The neutral sound characteristic makes it versatile, suitable for various environments without being overly intrusive, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, on the other hand, doesn't have a specific sound profile detailed, but generally, Cherry switches are known for their relatively consistent sound across their lineup. The overall sound of any switch, including the Koala and MX Purple RGB, can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard plate material and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala stands out with its polished, accented, and stepped tactile characteristics. The polished finish contributes to a smooth typing experience with reduced friction, while the accented design offers a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between too subtle and overly pronounced. The stepped tactile nature allows for two stages in the keystroke, giving users a clear yet not overwhelming sensation during typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not have detailed feel descriptors available, but the collaboration with Glarses suggests it is designed to provide a refined tactile experience, likely leaning toward a smooth feel with its short and medium-strength bump. Users of both switches can expect commendable tactile feedback, albeit with the distinct nuances of each.
Overall, while both the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches cater to those who appreciate a tactile experience, they deliver their qualities in slightly different ways. The Koala offers a low-pitched sound, a smooth polished feel, and a stepped tactility that many find enjoyable, while the sound characteristics of the MX Purple RGB remain less defined but are built on a foundation of refined design established by Cherry. Both switches provide an engaging typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can find pleasure in whichever they choose, although those who prefer an audible bassy sound may lean towards the Koala.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch will primarily depend on your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and key resistance. If you prefer a switch that offers a more pronounced tactile experience without overwhelming feedback, the Durock Koala with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams might be your ideal choice. The polished and accented feel of the Koala will allow for a smooth and engaging typing journey, making them well-suited for both gaming and typing tasks. Additionally, their low-pitched sound profile means you can enjoy a pleasant auditory experience without causing too much disturbance in shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you value a switch that provides a refined typing feel, enhanced by a short, medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be a great option. While its exact force isn’t specified, its design emphasizes ease of use with a balanced tactile response, making it perfect for long typing sessions or office environments where quieter operation is advantageous. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, so consider what aspects matter most to you—be it tactile feedback, sound, or key resistance—to make an informed choice that suits your typing style.
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