Durock Koala vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and HMX Perky each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Durock Koala is celebrated for its balanced design, providing a gentle yet satisfying tactile feedback through a pronounced bump that adds a touch of engagement without overwhelming the user. This switch combines polished and neutral qualities, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile experience that is both noticeable and not overly loud. In contrast, the HMX Perky presents a smoother, linear typing sensation. With its softer and glittery nylon housing, the Perky switch delivers a more condensed and polished feel, making rapid typing effortless. This switch is ideal for individuals seeking a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the HMX Perky, a distinct difference is evident in the materials used for their top housings. The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This material allows for a resonant sound that can enhance the typing experience, especially in setups that incorporate RGB lighting, due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Perky features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience, emphasizing the stark contrast in how these two materials affect the overall sound characteristics of the switches.
Interestingly, both the Durock Koala and the HMX Perky share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This consistency in the bottom housing material suggests that both switches will offer a deep and rich sound profile when bottomed out, as nylon absorbs sound effectively. The use of nylon allows for a cohesive experience during typing, as both switches will likely deliver a similarly subdued auditory response when pressed down fully. However, while the bottom housings may yield comparable results in terms of sound absorption and texture, the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches are likely to lead to varied sound experiences during both key presses and releases.
In summary, the Durock Koala and the HMX Perky present contrasting top housing materials while maintaining consistency with their nylon bottom housings. The Koala's polycarbonate top provides a bright and clear sound, complementing RGB aesthetics, whereas the Perky's nylon top produces a warm and muffled sound. Consequently, users should consider the type of auditory experience they prefer when selecting between the two switches. Both switches will exhibit superior performance in producing rich sounds when bottomed out due to their shared nylon bottom housing, yet it is the differing top housing materials that will play a significant role in achieving a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala does not have a specified actuation force, which makes it difficult to gauge its responsiveness compared to the Perky, which has a light actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Koala has a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Perky's bottom out force is a lighter 50 grams. Consequently, the Koala is characterized by a more substantial feel during typing due to its heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for users who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Perky's lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more conducive for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as they require less effort, which users may find more comfortable. Overall, those seeking a tactile experience with a heavier and potentially more demanding feel would gravitate towards the Koala, while those who favor a lighter touch should consider the Perky.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Koala the better option for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback, as its longer travel distance allows for a deeper keypress experience, which some users find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Perky, with its shorter travel distance, might cater to gamers or fast-paced typists seeking quicker response times. While both switches offer distinct advantages depending on user preference, the Koala's travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional feel, whereas the Perky's 3.4 mm travel is aligned with modern trends favoring shorter distances.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 switch produces a low-pitched and neutral tone. This sound profile contributes to a typing experience that is pleasant and unobtrusive, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in a quieter workspace. The slight resonance of the Koalas adds depth but does not become overwhelming, making them a solid option for those who appreciate subtlety in sound. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch offers a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise that is both bright and percussive. This auditory feedback delivers a more pronounced auditory experience that can add excitement to your typing, although it may not be ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
When it comes to feel, both switches have polished finishes, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience that contributes to reduced friction and ease of key travel. However, they diverge in their tactile feedback. The Koala’s stepped tactility provides a medium-level bump that is accentuated without being overly prominent, allowing for a more controlled typing experience. It allows typists to discern a clear actuation point without the overwhelming sensation found in hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the Perky switch brings a silky feel that not only enhances smoothness but also reduces resistance, making for a swift and less obstructed keystroke. This results in a more condensed typing experience primarily due to its shorter travel distance, which might appeal to those preferring rapid keystrokes.
In summary, the Durock Koala and HMX Perky switches cater to different preferences in sound and tactility. The Koala is great for users seeking a balanced auditory experience with defined tactile feedback, while the Perky excels in providing a lively, sharp sound coupled with a notably smooth feel. If you’re looking for a satisfying typing experience, both options can deliver similar smoothness due to their polished characteristics, but your choice will ultimately depend on your preference for sound profile and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Perky linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile response with a bit of heft, the Durock Koala is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, along with its stepped tactility, provides a satisfying feedback that's ideal for typists who appreciate a more engaging typing experience, especially in work environments where focus is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a snappier sound, the HMX Perky is likely to suit you better. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a clacky sound profile, the Perky's shorter travel distance offers a quick and zippy typing experience, making it suitable for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize feedback and tactile response with the Koala or a smoother, quicker feel with the Perky.
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