Durock Koala vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options to consider are the Durock Koala and the Bsun Ragdoll. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance for typists seeking a pronounced keystroke without overwhelming force; its stepped tactility creates a distinct bump that enhances typing feedback while maintaining a relatively quiet operation. This switch is characterized by its polished feel and low-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a bit of resonance without the noisy disruption of clattering keys. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offers a different experience altogether, featuring a Y3 stem designed for smooth, uninterrupted travel. Its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing produces a satisfying clack, making it attractive for users who favor rapid key presses and fluid movements in their typing or gaming. Each switch provides unique advantages depending on your preferences for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness, vibration, and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Bsun Ragdoll keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffer structure, producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience, as the polycarbonate material is translucent, allowing for vibrant illumination. The clarity and resonance achieved through polycarbonate can elevate the auditory experience of typing or gaming, giving it a lively and pronounced sound when keys are pressed and released.
In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll employs a nylon top housing, a more traditional choice in the keyboard industry. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the Koala's crisper tones. The rounder timbre produced by the nylon top creates a more muted auditory experience, which some users may prefer for a more subdued typing environment. These distinct sound qualities each housing material provides demonstrate how the selection of top housing material significantly shapes the overall acoustic feel of the keyboard.
However, both keyboards share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as they both utilize nylon. This similarity in bottom housing means that users of either switch will experience a consistent deep and full sound profile when the keys bottom out. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a robust and thudding bottom-out experience in both the Durock Koala and Bsun Ragdoll, ensuring that while the top housings diverge in sound production, the overall experience retains a complementary depth due to the shared bottom housing material. Therefore, while the auditory characteristics differ due to the top housing, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing provides a foundation of a satisfying typing feel in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala's actuation force is unknown, meaning we can't assess how easy it is to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ragdoll's actuation force of 45 grams, which is relatively light. In terms of bottom out force, the Koala registers at 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, while the Ragdoll has a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This indicates that the Koala requires more force to bottom out, making it the heavier switch, whereas the Ragdoll offers a lighter option for users who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming sessions. Overall, those looking for a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Ragdoll, whereas those desiring a more substantial feel should consider the Koala.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Koala provides more depth in its keypress, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and an overall hearty feel when typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance could cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, enhancing efficiency during fast-paced activities. Overall, the Koala's travel distance is longer by 0.2 mm compared to the Ragdoll, making it the preferred option for those who prioritize a more traditional feel, while the Ragdoll may be favored by those who appreciate a more responsive and rapid keypress.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 tactile switch is recognized for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics. This gives it a slightly bass-heavy, mellow tone while maintaining a sound profile that works well in both casual and professional environments. The resonance present adds to the auditory experience without being too intrusive, allowing for a typing environment that remains pleasant. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known to produce a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This type of sound can be lively and engaging, though the specific tonal qualities aren't accredited, suggesting it might not carry the consistent characteristics that the Koala offers.
When it comes to feel, the Koala excels with its polished texture, accented tactility, and stepped profile, providing a smooth typing experience with its medium level of tactility. The keys offer both pre- and post-travel sensations without overwhelming the typist. Additionally, the stiffness of these switches ensures that a deliberate amount of pressure is needed to actuate them, making for a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Ragdoll linear switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving aspects like smoothness, tactility, and actuation force unknown.
In conclusion, while the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a detailed and nuanced experience with its well-defined auditory and tactile characteristics, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch presents a more ambiguous profile, particularly in terms of feel. If you're looking for a switch that incorporates a smooth and engaging typing experience with pleasant sound, the Koala is a clear choice. However, if you prefer the more clacky sound of a linear switch, the Ragdoll could potentially meet your needs, though specifics on its tactile qualities remain undefined. Overall, both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences, but the Koala may resonate better for those seeking a tactile feedback with their keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and daily usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more textured feedback and prefer a switch that offers a balance between tactility and smooth keystrokes, the Koala may be your ideal option. Its 67-gram bottom-out force and pronounced, yet subtle, tactile bump cater well to those who thrive on a bit more resistance and feedback with each keystroke, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision matters. In contrast, if you're looking for a light, smooth, and seamless typing experience, the Ragdoll's 52-gram bottom-out force and clacky sound profile make it a fantastic choice. The smooth travel of the Y3 stem allows for quieter typing, which could be perfect for office environments or for users who engage in long typing sessions without needing feedback that could disrupt flow. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Koala's tactile precision or the Ragdoll's effortless glide, both switches have their unique strengths tailored to different preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
