Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Red are two popular options to consider. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that offers a perfect balance for those who enjoy a pronounced bump without it being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility, this switch provides a satisfying keystroke experience without being overly loud, making it ideal for those who prefer a polished, low-pitched, and neutral feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. Categorized as thocky, low-pitched, and textured, the MX Red is a classic choice for those who enjoy a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. 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
The Durock Koala's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing. This difference in material leads to a more clear and resonant sound in the Koala switches, while the MX Red switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the nylon material. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a more suitable option for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, giving the Koala switches an aesthetic edge over the MX Red switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Red switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. While the bottom housing material may not differ between the two switches, the impact it has on the typing experience is consistent in providing a more muffled and muted sound compared to other materials.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Red switches may share the same bottom housing material of nylon, their top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, offer distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala switches results in a clearer and sharper sound, while the MX Red switches provide a deeper and fuller sound due to their nylon top housing. Ultimately, understanding the differences in housing materials can help users choose switches that best suit their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that they have significant differences. The Durock Koala has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Koala requires 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, compared to the Cherry MX Red where this force is unknown. This makes the Durock Koala the heavier option between the two. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, users looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Cherry MX Red, while those seeking a heavier tactile feel may opt for the Durock Koala.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance remains the same, meaning users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that regardless of which switch is chosen, users will get similar results in terms of key travel, providing a smooth and predictable 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 sound profile, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Koala being more understated and the MX Red providing a satisfying thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth, medium tactile experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, providing a tactile feedback that some users may prefer for its surface friction. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Koala focusing on a refined, stepped tactility and the MX Red delivering a textured typing feel.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that appeal to different preferences. While the Koala provides a nuanced and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the MX Red offers a thocky tactile feedback with a textured feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to various typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, then the Durock Koala would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Red is a classic option known for its robust typing experience. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and sound profile when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Red comes down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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