Durock Koala vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, there are key differences that may influence your decision. The Koalas are favored for their balanced tactile feedback, with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the keystroke. On the other hand, the Roselles are praised for their incredibly smooth typing experience and subtle sound profile. The Koalas offer a polished and accented feel, while the Roselles provide a frictionless and bassy sensation. Both switches have a low-pitched sound signature, but the Koalas have a stiffer keystroke compared to the mild feel of the Roselles. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing 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
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Durock Koala stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle utilizes a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound compared to polycarbonate. While both materials excel in enhancing sound quality, the choice between the Koala and Roselle will ultimately come down to personal preference for sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Durock Koala features a nylon material that produces a fuller and deeper sound, thanks to its soft and sound-absorbing properties. On the contrary, the HC Studio Roselle uses POM for its bottom housing, offering a similar deep and muted sound profile like its top housing material. Both switches provide a unique and pleasing sound experience, but the difference in materials may lead to a slightly varied typing feel. Overall, the nylon bottom housing of the Koala may provide a softer bottom-out sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Roselle contributes to its overall sound profile.
While the Durock Koala and HC Studio Roselle employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile of each switch remains distinct. The split between the top and bottom housing qualities impacts the typing experience differently for each switch. The top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight between the two. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Roselle has a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. The actuation force of the Koala is unknown, while the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Roselle requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Koala. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Roselle to be more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Koala would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. In terms of weight, the Koala is on the heavier side, while the Roselle is lighter in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we see that the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Roselle has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Roselle the shorter of the two switches. Both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance, with the Koala being more traditional and the Roselle falling on the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the Roselle for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Koala for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, giving a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes depending on personal preference, choice of keyboard, and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable bump that is not overwhelming. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch is labeled as frictionless and mild, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing feel without any resistance or friction. The Roselle switch falls into a more gentle typing experience category, suitable for most users due to its approachable qualities.
In conclusion, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a stepped tactility with a pronounced bump and a slightly resonant sound, the Roselle offers an impossibly smooth typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, newcomers can experiment with these switches to find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, whether seeking a tactile bump with a moderate sound or a smooth linear feel with a deeper sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with a pronounced bump but not overly loud, the Koala would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and an impossibly smooth typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the Roselle would suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a punchy bump or a smooth and frictionless keystroke with a unique sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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