Durock Koala vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Haimu Orange Sea present two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, stands out with its stepped tactility that delivers a satisfying bump without overwhelming the user. This characteristic allows for an engaging typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without excessive noise. Its polished, low-pitched sound profile provides a balance between resonance and discretion. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is a linear switch designed for those who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keypress. With its neutral sound signature and effortless actuation, the Orange Sea offers a clean typing experience that can enhance speed and reduce fatigue. Each switch caters to unique preferences: choose the Koala for tactile feedback that maintains comfort and subtlety, or opt for the Orange Sea if you seek a fluid, quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Haimu Orange Sea, it is striking that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and vibrant display. This shared characteristic in their top housings ensures that both switches deliver a similar auditory experience while also providing compatibility with various visual customization options.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a material renowned for its classic use in switch construction. The nylon material contributes a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. This is primarily because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, which results in a duller and rounder typing experience. As the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users can expect a consistent typing sensation and auditory response across both the Koala and the Orange Sea. Thus, while the top housings evoke crispness, the nylon bottom housings complement that with warmth and depth.

In essence, while the Durock Koala and Haimu Orange Sea share the same materials in their top and bottom housings, their combined effects result in a well-rounded performance for each switch. The polycarbonate tops ensure a bright and clear sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottoms provide a rich response during keypresses. Consequently, users can expect a balanced auditory experience marked by the top's sharp clarity and the bottom's warm fullness, drawing from the unique qualities of each material. The marriage of these materials ultimately promotes a satisfying and versatile typing experience, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we observe a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala switch features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, characterized as medium-heavy, making it a suitable choice for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter feel allows for comfortable typing over prolonged periods, ideal for those who often use their keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the Koala is the heavier option, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push, while the Haimu Orange Sea offers a lighter, softer touch. This difference in actuation forces and bottom out forces indicates that users will have distinctly different experiences depending on which switch they choose.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Koala features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Durock Koala offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who lean towards quicker response times—an appealing feature for gamers. Overall, if you prioritize a more responsive switch, the Orange Sea is the better option; however, if depth and a more robust tactile feedback are what you're after, then the Koala would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch possesses a low-pitched tone that provides a warm, bass-heavy resonance. This characteristic gives a mellow auditory experience that is not overwhelming, making it quite suitable for both quiet environments and shared spaces. The Koala's sound profile is described as neutral, striking a balance that accommodates various preferences, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned user. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch lacks an explicitly defined sound signature in the provided information. However, given that linear switches are generally designed for a smoother typing experience with less noise than tactile or clicky switches, it can be inferred that the Orange Sea may offer a more muted sound profile, likely aligning with the smooth feel they are known for.

When evaluating the feel of each switch, the Koala shines with its polished and accented characteristics. It has a medium tactile feel, providing a clear bump that enhances the typing experience without being overly pronounced. The stepped design allows users to enjoy a sense of progression through each keystroke, contributing to a more nuanced typing interaction. The tactile feedback is complemented by a somewhat stiff nature, requiring more force to actuate, which can help in reducing accidental presses. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea is noted for its impeccably smooth typing experience, which likely translates to very low friction and an effortless bottom-out feeling. The lack of tactile bumps in linear switches generally leads to a consistent key press that many find appealing, especially for gaming or continuous typing tasks.

Overall, while both the Durock Koala and Haimu Orange Sea switches cater to different preferences—tactile versus linear—they ultimately aim to provide satisfying typing experiences. If you appreciate the pronounced yet moderate tactile feedback of the Koala and its low-pitched sound, you may find it complements your typing style well. Conversely, if you prefer a seamless and smooth key travel without auditory interference, the Orange Sea would be an excellent choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that can fulfill various typing needs, ensuring that you'll find a satisfying experience with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Durock Koala and the Haimu Orange Sea switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you enjoy a tactile experience that combines a pronounced bump with a polished and medium-heavy feel, the Koala switches might be your best bet. Their 67 grams bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that appeals to users who prefer a keystroke that feels substantial without being excessively stiff. This makes them a great choice for both gaming and typing, especially if you appreciate some resonance without intrusive loudness. On the other hand, if you are inclined towards a smoother, lighter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a more fluid feel at only 45 grams. These linear switches are perfect for those who prioritize speed and subtlety, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where minimal effort is key. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferred typing style and usage scenario, ensuring you enjoy the full benefits of each switch type.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more