Durock Koala vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, strikes an ideal balance for those who desire a punchy keystroke without overwhelming sound. It features a stepped tactility that delivers a satisfying bump during each press, while maintaining a resonant but not overly loud feedback. This makes it an excellent option for typists who appreciate a tactile response without excessive noise, fitting seamlessly into both office and home environments. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a completely different experience, characterized by a bouncy feel and frictionless typing thanks to its 22mm long spring and expertly crafted housing. The low-pitched sound profile and smooth key travel make the KTT Orange particularly suited for gamers or those who prefer a quieter, more fluid experience. Each switch has its unique appeal dependent on your typing preference, whether you’re leaning toward tactile feedback or a silky smooth keystroke. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the KTT Orange switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating an interesting parallel in terms of acoustic properties and aesthetic appeal. Both switches benefit from the clear and resonant sound profile that polycarbonate provides, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for users who want to enhance their keyboard with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to effectively shine through. Thus, the similar top housing materials ensure that users can expect high clarity in sound and visual compatibility with lighting effects whether they choose the Koala or the Orange.
However, a significant difference arises in the bottom housing materials, which distinctly influences the overall typing experience. The Koala features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer qualities that absorb sound and provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. This choice enhances the auditory experience for users who prefer a more muted and rounded typing sound. In contrast, the Orange employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the properties of its top housing. This consistent material choice results in a sharper sound profile throughout the entire keypress, with less tonal variation between the top and bottom sections of the switch.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to different auditory sensations when typing. For the Koala, the nylon bottom housing dampens the sound, offering a softer tactile experience, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Orange reinforces a clearer and more resonant sound. Users who prioritize sound dampening and a fuller typing feel might lean towards the Koala, whereas those who desire a consistent, high-pitched, and crisp auditory experience could favor the KTT Orange. In both cases, however, the construction choices provide clear benefits, appealing to different types of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different user preferences. The Koala switch has an unknown actuation force, while its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This lighter actuation force can benefit users who engage in extended typing or gaming sessions, reducing fatigue. As such, the Koala is the heavier option, whereas the Orange is significantly lighter, making the latter more suitable for users who favor a gentler touch. Since the actuation force of the Koala remains unspecified, definitive comparisons in that aspect cannot be made; however, users can expect a more pronounced tactile response from the Koala while the Orange offers smoother keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on the Koala switch, you experience a depthier feel compared to the snappier response of the Orange switch. Given that a travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional and offers a heartier depth, it may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. Conversely, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Orange switch caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker actuation for fast-paced activities, resulting in a more immediate response. Thus, if your preference leans towards responsiveness, you might opt for the Orange switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke should consider the Koala.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 considering the sound profile, both the Durock Koala and KTT Orange switches exhibit a low-pitched tone, making them suitable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. The Koala switches also maintain a neutral sound quality, providing a balanced auditory feedback that works well in various environments, from busy offices to quiet home setups. The KTT Orange, while similarly low-pitched, does not have the same neutrality and is characterized more by the smoother, mellower sound of its factory-lubed design. Both switches will likely sound pleasant and unobtrusive, emphasizing their low-pitched profiles while allowing for a versatile fit for different typing scenarios.
In terms of tactile experience, the Durock Koala offers a polished, accented feel with a stepped tactility. This means users will experience a pronounced, yet not overwhelming bump during key presses, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being excessively stiff. The Koala's design allows for smooth key travel with reduced friction, ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy character and frictionless action, providing a lively response that gives users a noticeable spring-back. While it lacks the same tactile step that the Koala features, its smoothness and spring-like feedback create an enjoyable typing experience. The Koala is better suited for those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Orange caters to users seeking a smoother, more fluid feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Koala and KTT Orange switches cater to different preferences while sharing some similarities. The Koala excels in delivering a tactile bump with a low-pitched sound, suited for those who enjoy both pronounced feedback and a refined auditory experience. Meanwhile, the KTT Orange focuses on providing a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize smoothness and fluidity. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend on whether you prefer the tactile nuances of the Koala or the effortless feel of the Orange. Either way, you'll enjoy quality switches that enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience without overwhelming resistance, the Koala switch, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and stepped tactility, is an excellent choice. Its polished feel and neutral sound profile make it suitable for both productivity-focused environments and casual typing experiences. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter touch and a frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch with its medium-light force of 53 grams could be more to your liking. The bouncy nature and lively feedback of the Orange switch cater well to those who appreciate rapid key presses, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing. In the end, consider what aspects—tactility, actuation force, sound, and overall feel—are most important to you, and choose the switch that aligns with your personal style and intended use.
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