Durock Koala vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Poseidon offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is perfect for those who appreciate a keystroke that provides a noticeable bump without being too overwhelming. With attributes like being polished, low-pitched, and accentuated, the Koala strikes a balance between a tactile experience and a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon, a linear switch, offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. While it may lack the same level of feedback as the Koala, the Poseidon provides a quieter typing experience. These general characteristics can help guide your decision-making process; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Jerrzi Poseidon both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Poseidon's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, perfect for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Despite their differences, both materials are designed to enhance the sound profile of the switches and provide a satisfying typing experience to users.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Koala features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This can create a duller and rounder sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Similarly, the Poseidon's POM bottom housing offers a deep and muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience that complements the top housing material. Both switches excel in delivering a tactile and satisfying typing experience, with their respective bottom housing materials enhancing the overall sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Koala and Jerrzi Poseidon differ, they both aim to provide users with a pleasant and unique typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing allows for a balance in sound and feel when typing on these switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during bottom-out, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Whether it's the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Poseidon has an actuation force of 40 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. The Koala provides a heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, which may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Poseidon offers a lighter actuation force, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Poseidon switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Koala switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Koala is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Poseidon provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a shorter key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it a suitable option for various users, whether they are beginners or advanced. This switch provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon's sound qualities are unknown, so it is hard to make a direct comparison. However, remember that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This combination results in a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent yet manageable amount of tactility. The stepped tactility of the Koala switch offers a unique typing feel, with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch is characterized by its unique stepped tactility, low-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a polished, accented feel. On the other hand, information regarding the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is limited, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it is clear that the Koala switch offers a balance of tactile feedback and sound while providing a smooth typing experience. If the Poseidon switch offers similar qualities, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without overwhelming tactility, the Koala may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch without a defined bump and bottom out force is not a concern, the Poseidon linear switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and tactile feedback desired. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.
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