Durock Koala vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and Everglide Rice Pudding represent two distinct approaches to tactile feedback and overall typing experience. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its stepped tactility that delivers a pronounced bump during each keystroke, striking a balance between responsiveness and subtlety. This makes them an attractive option for users who prefer a satisfying tactile feel without overwhelming noise, making them suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their smooth operation and deep sound, offering a balanced and precise typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts who value versatility, particularly as they are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and Everglide Rice Pudding switches comes down to personal preference: whether one seeks a tactile feedback that provides a punchy feel or a smoother operation combined with a rich auditory 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
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Everglide Rice Pudding share a notable similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, contributing to an enhanced acoustic profile that many key enthusiasts appreciate. Both switches exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, a result of polycarbonate’s relatively stiff nature. This material's ability to resonate makes it particularly effective for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate facilitates the vibrant illumination of switches. Therefore, both switches promise a similar aesthetic appeal and auditory experience, making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a lively sound profile and striking visual effects.
Contrasting their top housings, both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, which introduces different auditory characteristics into the overall sound signature. Unlike the polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom absorbs sound, producing a deeper and fuller acoustic depth that mitigates the sharper tones emanating from the polycarbonate. The softer nylon material creates a more rounded sound during typing, which complements the clear and crisp nature of the polycarbonate. While the Koala and Rice Pudding may produce a similar sound profile when the keys are released, the bottom-out sound and feel will differ, reflecting the contrasting acoustic properties of the materials.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both designs highlights the distinct yet complementary roles each material plays. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the Rice Pudding's similar construction leads to equivalently vivid illumination effects. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches accentuates the typing experience, offering a deeper sound when the key is pressed down. By understanding how these materials work together, users can appreciate that although the switches may utilize similar components, the overall experience will still vary depending on their design nuances.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, but it features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. For those who prefer a typing experience that is less strenuous over long periods, the lighter Rice Pudding switch would be the more suitable choice, as it allows for easier keystrokes and minimizes fatigue. Meanwhile, the Koala, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger feedback while typing. Overall, the Rice Pudding switch is lighter, making it preferable for prolonged use, while the Koala offers a heftier tactile sensation for a more robust experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Koala switch offers a deeper, more substantial feel, which is often preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to users looking for quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who benefit from the shorter actuation distance. While both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, the Koala's longer travel distance may feel more satisfying for users who appreciate a hearty depth, while the Rice Pudding switch may be perceived as too abrupt for some. Ultimately, if you prioritize rapid response, the Rice Pudding is the better option, but for a richer tactile sensation, the Koala stands out.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 considering the sound of the Durock Koala tactile switch, users can expect a low-pitched, neutral acoustic profile. The sound is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a subtly resonant experience without being excessively loud, which makes it an ideal choice for both home and office environments. This balanced audio characteristic ensures that it won't disturb others nearby while still delivering satisfying auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch lacks a detailed sound description, leaving its specific auditory qualities unknown. However, the indication that it delivers a "deep sound" suggests a distinct acoustic experience, possibly leaning more towards richness or fullness, but without further detail, we can't accurately compare the two.
In terms of feel, the Koala truly shines with its polished and accented properties. The smooth finish enhances key travel, significantly reducing friction and creating a refined typing experience. The stepped tactility offers a distinct yet comfortable bump without overwhelming the typist, making it a versatile option for various typing scenarios. In addition, the switch is characterized as stiff, requiring a higher force to actuate, which can be beneficial for those who prefer tactile feedback in their keyboard actions. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch does not provide specific details regarding its feel, leaving its tactile properties, actuation force, or overall ergonomics unknown.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch presents a well-rounded experience with its pleasant sound profile and refined, tactile feedback, catering to users looking for a balanced switch that’s both engaging and suitable for various settings. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while offering depth in sound and notable compatibility with certain keyboard models, lacks a detailed description of its feel, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Both switches offer unique characteristics, but if sound and tactile performance are your primary considerations, the Koala clearly has the edge in providing tangible qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a switch with a firmer feel that provides a satisfying feedback and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Koala is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams allows for a substantial and impactful keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy a bit more resistance during typing. Its low-pitched, neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for both home and work environments, while the polished and accented feel adds an extra layer of comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter yet smooth experience, the Rice Pudding switch might be more suited to you. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, it offers an effortlessly gentle typing feel that is perfect for those who prefer a swifter typing style. The deep sound and satisfying operation of the Rice Pudding make it an excellent option for enthusiasts looking for a unique and versatile experience, especially if you're considering compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards. Thus, assess your typing habits and preferences carefully to select the switch that will enhance your overall experience most effectively.
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