Durock Koala vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Sarokeys Purple Sakura are both popular choices in the tactile switch category. The Durock Koalas are ideal for those looking for a satisfying keystroke without excessive force, thanks to their stepped tactility and pronounced bump. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakuras offer a buttery downstroke and a snappy response, striking a delicate balance of tactility that is neither overpowering nor too gentle. The Koala is known for its polished, low-pitched, and stiff feel, while the Purple Sakura is praised for its buttery, mild, and snappy characteristics. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a moderate level of sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, one can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, while both switches share this similar feature, the differences lie in their bottom housing material.
While the Koala boasts a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, the Purple Sakura also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing for the same effect. This material is known for its softer nature, which contributes to a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the typing experience on these switches elicits a unique sound profile that differs from the top housing's impact on sound.
Ultimately, the combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Koala and Purple Sakura switches allows for a balanced sound profile. The differences in sound created by the top and bottom housing materials provide a dynamic typing experience that caters to both the press and release of keys. While each switch may have its own unique feel and sound due to its housing materials, the overall design and composition of the switches offer a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier than the Purple Sakura with a bottom out force of 60 grams. The actuation force for the Koala is unknown, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams. The Koala provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Purple Sakura offers a medium one. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Purple Sakura may be the preferred choice. Meanwhile, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Koala. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the weight of each switch playing a key role in the overall feel during use. Ultimately, when comparing actuation and bottom out forces, the Koala and Purple Sakura provide distinct options to cater to different preferences in typing pressure.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. The Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura, which may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional feel or a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Purple Sakura offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for individuals looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference. Ultimately, while the Koala offers a longer travel distance and the Purple Sakura a shorter one, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 it comes to sound, both the Durock Koala and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users and environments, whether for work or leisure. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is known for its polished and accented tactile feedback with a stepped design, offering a refined and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery and snappy, providing a gentle yet responsive typing sensation. Both switches offer a pleasant tactile response without being too overwhelming or subtle, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Durock Koala and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are excellent choices for tactile switch enthusiasts. While they may have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches strike a balance between tactility and smoothness that many users can appreciate. Whether you prefer a more pronounced bump like the Koala or a buttery downstroke like the Purple Sakura, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch with a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, the Purple Sakura would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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