Durock Koala vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the KTT Rose offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Koala is a tactile switch known for its balanced keystrokes that deliver a noticeable bump without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Rose is a linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience with progressive springs for a satisfying feel. While the Koala offers a polished, low-pitched, and stiff typing experience, the Rose is characterized by its low-pitched, neutral, and polished attributes. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the KTT Rose feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects. Both switches offer a consistent and clear sound profile thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Koala and the Rose utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which helps absorb more sound and create a rounder, duller sound. This material is commonly used in switch housings to enhance the typing experience and create a more satisfying sound when typing on the switches. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more tactile and enjoyable typing experience.
While both switches share similar housing materials in terms of polycarbonate and nylon, the distribution of these materials in the top and bottom housing can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound produced when a key is released. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material in both switches, users can fine-tune their typing experience to suit their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Rose, which has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, indicating that their actuation forces are likely similar. The Koala's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Rose's slightly lighter bottom out force may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. With a travel distance of 4 mm, both switches offer a satisfying amount of key travel for typists and gamers alike. This similarity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across both switch options.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch are described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that they both offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud, making them suitable for various environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is characterized by its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced bump that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a subtle yet substantial tactile feedback. Both switches aim to provide users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience without being too harsh or too soft.
Overall, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Koala provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with a stepped design, while the Rose offers a smoother and more subtle typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and overall quality from these two switches. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, you should consider your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Koala may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a unique feel provided by progressive springs and a slightly lower bottom out force, the Rose switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels best for you.
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