Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer distinct experiences for users seeking different qualities in their typing experience. The Koala, a tactile switch, is perfect for those who enjoy a noticeable bump in their keystrokes without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Koala is polished, low-pitched, accented, and stiff, while the MX Silent Red is muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured. Both switches have their own unique qualities 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This similarity suggests that when typing on either switch, users can expect a similar level of sound absorption and a more rounded overall sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
However, the main point of contrast between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Durock Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound. This means that the sound produced by the Durock Koala will be clearer and more resonant, while the sound from the Cherry MX Silent Red will be duller and rounder.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that users of the Durock Koala can expect a more defined and resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while users of the Cherry MX Silent Red will experience a deeper and fuller sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, these differences in housing materials provide distinct auditory experiences for users of both switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Koala has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while the actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unavailable. This means that the MX Silent Red would feel lighter to type with compared to the Koala. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the MX Silent Red may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and heavier keystroke feel, the Koala may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Koala. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Koala is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.7mm travel distance of the MX Silent Red offers a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Both switches offer a quality typing experience, but the Koala provides a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper key press, while the MX Silent Red offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking a faster response time.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch produces a muted and thocky sound, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches feature low-pitched sounds, offering a mellower tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the MX Silent Red is specifically designed to minimize noise, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch provides a polished and accented typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. With its stepped tactility, the Koala switch offers a moderate bump that is not overwhelming nor subtle, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, possibly indicating some friction when pressed. Whereas the Koala switch offers a balanced tactile feel with some pre-travel and post-travel, the MX Silent Red switch may provide a different typing experience due to its texturized feel.
In conclusion, while the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Silent Red switches both have their own unique qualities, they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Koala switch is tailored for users who prefer a pronounced bump with a low-pitched sound profile, while the MX Silent Red switch is designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment. It’s important to test out both options to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering these two switches, you would want to choose the Durock Koala tactile switch if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump and some resonance while typing. The Koala offers a balanced tactile experience that is not overly loud. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the better choice for you. This switch maintains a slightly heftier feel similar to the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound feedback (Durock Koala) or silent operation (Cherry MX Silent Red) in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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