Durock Koala vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch. The Koalas are favored for their perfect balance of punchy keystrokes with a noticeable bump, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Nixies are known for their heft and textured typing feel, incorporating modern innovations while retaining classic qualities. While the Koala offers a polished, accented feel with a neutral stance, the Nixie provides a textured, low-pitched typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that appeal 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Cherry Nixie, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This means that when typing on either the Koala or the Nixie, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound feedback and key feel. However, when looking at the top housing, the Koala uses polycarbonate while the Nixie sticks to nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon in the Nixie's top housing.
The choice of polycarbonate for the Koala's top housing results in a more resonant and clear sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. This material is stiffer compared to nylon, which affects the overall sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon top housing offers a softer typing experience with a deeper sound profile. While both switches provide a tactile typing experience, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each keystroke. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housings in both switches contribute to a similar typing experience with their ability to absorb sound and create a fuller sound profile.
Ultimately, the housing materials used in the Durock Koala and the Cherry Nixie switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the Nixie provides a deeper and fuller sound. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows users to feel the impact of each material during keystrokes and key releases. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Koala's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper sound with the Nixie's nylon top housing, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch differ significantly. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it extremely light, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, indicating a moderate amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Koala requires 67 grams to fully press down, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Nixie bottoms out at 80 grams, making it a heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Koala, as it allows for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Nixie. Both options cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a choice based on their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This ensures a similar typing feel and feedback when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer a moderate travel distance that is neither too short nor too long, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a standard key press 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Koala emphasizing a more neutral profile while the Nixie leans towards a richer, deeper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala boasts a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience. These qualities offer a smooth, refined finish with a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming yet noticeable. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel can cater to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. While the Koala offers a polished and stepped typing sensation, the Nixie focuses on providing a textured experience for users who enjoy a tactile feedback.
Overall, the comparison between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch reveals distinct differences in sound and feel. The Koala showcases a more neutral and polished sound with a refined, stepped feel, ideal for users looking for a balanced tactile experience. In contrast, the Nixie delivers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured feel, catering to those who appreciate a deeper and more resistant key press. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a stepped tactility with a bit of resonance, then the Durock Koala switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a thocky sound, then the Cherry Nixie switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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