Durock Koala vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Polaris Gray stand out as popular options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that offers a balanced keystroke experience with a pronounced bump but not overpowering. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a linear switch known for its bouncy typing feel and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Koala provides a middle ground for those who want a satisfying keystroke without being too intense, the Polaris Gray offers a smooth and consistent typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Polaris Gray feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material.
The difference in housing materials between the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Polaris Gray affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and crisp sound, the Koala's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Polaris Gray feature a polycarbonate top housing, making them visually appealing options, especially for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials brings a different tactile experience when typing on these switches. While the Koala offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Polaris Gray provides a more resonant and clear sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams. However, the actuation force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, both switches would provide a similar typing experience due to the matching bottom out force. The Koala switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, which may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience, while the Polaris Gray also provides a medium-heavy bottom out force for a similar feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for actuation force and other factors such as tactile feedback and switch type.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance may result in similar typing experiences and tactile feedback for users who prefer either tactile or linear switches. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is standard and should provide a comfortable typing experience for most users.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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, both the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are described as low-pitched and neutral. This means that they both offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making them suitable for a variety of typing environments. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches are noted to have a thocky sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches should provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The switch has a stepped tactile feel, providing a pronounced bump without being too intense. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentler typing experience with smooth key travel. While the exact feel of the Polaris Gray switch may differ slightly from the Koala, both switches should provide a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a more pronounced tactile bump and a stiffer feel, while the Polaris Gray offers a softer typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, either switch could be a great option for newcomers looking to explore different mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, with both switches falling into the neutral and low-pitched sound categories, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should consider your preference for a more pronounced tactile experience with a slight bump for the Koala or a smoother, bouncy typing feel with the Polaris Gray. If you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, both switches offer that option. However, if you prefer a switch that is more polished and refined for a sleek typing experience, the Koala is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild and approachable typing feel with a polished finish, the Polaris Gray would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences for key feel and sound when selecting between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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