Durock Koala vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Koala and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer. The Koala is a tactile switch that offers a middle ground for those who like a punchy keystroke without being too overwhelming. With a stepped tactility and a bit of resonance, it provides a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Neo White is a linear switch with a medium weight and reduced total travel, giving it a distinctive typing feel. The rare Ly stem used in the Neo White contributes to a smooth actuation, making each keystroke satisfyingly smooth. While the Koala offers a pronounced bump and a stiff feel, the Neo White provides a smoother and more neutral typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Haimu Neo White both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the difference in their overall design and construction may influence the exact sound produced by each switch, despite sharing the same top housing material.
In contrast, the Koala features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Haimu Neo White also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing material, providing a similar deep and full sound experience. While both switches share this characteristic, the individual design aspects of each switch may influence the overall typing experience on a more nuanced level.
While both switches share the same materials in their respective top and bottom housings, the distribution and design of these components may impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Durock Koala and Haimu Neo White may offer unique typing experiences due to subtle variations in their design and construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Neo White's 58 grams. The actuation force for both switches is unknown. The Koala provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for added tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Neo White's lighter bottom out force may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force required.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Koala slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Neo White. The Koala falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a solid and reliable keypress experience. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance, with the Koala offering a longer travel distance for a more pronounced keypress, while the Neo White provides a shorter travel distance for quicker actuation.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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 and Haimu Neo White switches both fall under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for a wide range of users. The Koala is known for its low-pitched tone, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Neo White offers a similar neutral sound quality. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be impacted by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent but not overwhelming amount of tactility. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The use of a Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, making every keystroke a satisfying experience.
Overall, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If looking for a switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala is a great choice, while the Neo White provides a smoother and gentler typing experience with a reduced total travel. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches will deliver reliable performance and satisfaction for their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Koala if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance without being overly loud. The Koala is a good choice for those looking for a switch that packs a punch but not too much. On the other hand, choose the Neo White if you prefer a medium linear switch with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel for a distinctive typing feel. The Neo White provides a satisfying and smooth typing experience with its rare Ly stem. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile switch with a pronounced bump like the Koala or a smooth linear switch like the Neo White.
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