Durock Koala vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When comparing the Durock Koala and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Koalas are renowned for their balanced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming, along with a touch of resonance that isn't too loud. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches stand out with their all-POM housings, delivering a deep and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. With a pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, the Olives offer a crisp and invigorating feel during use.

However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Koala and the Bsun Olive both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Olive's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the polycarbonate in the Koala's housing is stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound, the POM in the Olive's housing creates a pleasing and unique sound. Both materials have their own qualities that cater to different preferences in sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Olive's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the materials used in their bottom housing. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.

When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The contrasting qualities of the housing materials in the Durock Koala and Bsun Olive offer users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound profile with POM. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal sound preferences and typing experience desired.

Weight

In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Koala requires 67 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Olive's 65 grams. This makes the Koala slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Olive. The difference in actuation force and bottom out force between the two switches provides a variety of options for typists. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Olive switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Koala switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Bsun Olive has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Koala. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a balanced feel between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, a 3.4mm travel distance is shallower, preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired key feel and responsiveness. Both switches offer different travel distances that cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing or gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Koala is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches deliver a resonant and deep sound, thanks to their all-POM housings. The Olive switches stand out with their unique design and long pole stem, resulting in a sharp and crisp bottom-out sound that is distinctly satisfying. Overall, while the Koala offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, the Olive provides a deep and resonant auditory experience.

Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala switches are characterized by their polished, accented, stepped, and stiff attributes. The polished finish offers a smooth and refined typing experience, while the accented tactility provides a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. The stepped design gives the switches a two-stage feel, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the stiff actuation force requires more pressure to press the keys. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These switches offer pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a snappy, responsive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump provides high-intensity feedback with each keypress. While the Koala switches offer a polished and stepped feel, the Olive switches provide an invigorating and sharp tactile experience.

In conclusion, the Durock Koala and Bsun Olive switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala brings a low-pitched sound and a polished, accented feel that is complemented by a stepped design and stiff actuation force. On the other hand, the Olive switches provide a resonant and deep sound profile, along with an invigorating, sharp feel that is characterized by pronounced feedback and snappy responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Koala and Bsun Olive switches will depend on whether one prefers a neutral, low-pitched sound with a polished feel, or a resonant, invigorating sound with a sharp tactile feedback.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel, the Koala with its 67-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Olive with its 65-gram bottom out force might be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a switch with a polished, accentuated, and stepped feel, the Koala is a great option. However, if you seek an invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing experience with a resonant sound, the Olive might be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more