Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Koalas offer a perfect balance for those who desire a tactile typing experience without an overwhelming bump throughout the keystroke, delivering a satisfying yet controlled feel. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver stands out for its lightning-fast response time and smooth linear action, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking rapid and precise keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 and Cherry MX Speed Silver both use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it is translucent.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which is more likely to be found in switches featuring a clear housing. This material enhances the overall look of the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon housing offers a classic design with a focus on functionality rather than visual appeal. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Speed Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While the Koala offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the MX Speed Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. However, both switches deliver a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom housing material, ensuring a consistent and satisfying feel with every keystroke. Ultimately, whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper sound experience, both switches offer reliable performance and durability for a variety of typing tasks.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, a clear difference can be seen. The Koala switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver has a light actuation force of 30 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Koala switch heavier in terms of bottoming out, while the MX Speed Silver is lighter in terms of actuation. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For gamers looking for faster response times, the MX Speed Silver may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Koala with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, which provides a satisfying, mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver gives off a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and rich auditory experience that adds to the tactile feedback during typing sessions. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that can enhance the overall keyboarding experience, with the Koala leaning towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while the MX Speed Silver produces a deep and satisfying thud.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala stands out with its polished, accented, and stepped tactile feedback, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch offers a stiff feel that requires a higher amount of force to actuate, catering to users who prefer a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is described as textured, potentially offering a different typing experience with noticeable friction when pressed. This characteristic provides a unique feel for users who appreciate a bit of texture in their keystrokes.
Overall, the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Koala boasts a low-pitched sound and polished, accented feel with a stepped tactile feedback, the MX Speed Silver provides a thocky sound and a textured feel that may appeal to users seeking a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall keyboarding experience, allowing users to find the perfect switch based on their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala may be the perfect choice for you. It offers a polished and accented feel with a low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those looking for a tactile typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant response in your keystrokes, the MX Speed Silver with its non-existent bottom out force and full height design may be more suitable. It provides a textured feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick key presses for optimal performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing style. Consider what matters most to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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