Durock Koala vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. The Durock Koala stands out as a tactile switch option, offering a balanced feel with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream is a linear switch that provides a heftier typing experience with a deeper sound profile. While the Koala is categorized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', and 'Neutral', the Cream switches are described as 'Buttery', 'Textured', and 'Invigorating'. Both switches have their own unique qualities 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream, one major difference is seen in their top housing materials. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Cream utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Koala provides a sharper tone compared to the Cream's POM.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Koala uses a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Cream's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and muted sound profile. Both materials offer a unique sound experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound and POM offering a more muted tone. However, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound signature of the switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Koala and Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ, their overall sound profiles are tailored to provide a unique typing experience. The top housing material impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is pressed down, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to the overall sound signature of the switches, resulting in a typing experience that is both pleasing and diverse. Whether it's the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Koala or the muted tone of POM in the Cream, users can expect a distinct sound profile with either switch.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial force required for a keystroke compared to the NovelKeys Cream, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream has a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that while the NovelKeys Cream requires a slightly heavier initial push, it ultimately bottoms out with more force compared to the Koala. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, providing users with a solid typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches. Due to their equal travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation depth, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, providing a clean and immersive auditory experience. Both switches have unique sound profiles, with the Koala being more low-pitched and the Cream offering a deeper sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable bump in tactility. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is characterized as buttery, textured, and invigorating, providing a seamless and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force. While the Koala offers a more tactile feel with a pronounced bump, the Cream provides a smoother and more invigorating typing sensation.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a polished and stiff feel, the Koala might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a low-pitched and resonant sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Cream switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a linear switch with a similar bottom out force but prefer a heftier and deeper typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile with a neutral feel, the Koala is a good option, whereas the Cream offers a low-pitched sound with a resonant feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience.
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