Durock Koala vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Kailh Sage are top contenders. Each offers unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance for those looking for a keystroke that is impactful but not overwhelming. With its stepped tactility and pronounced bump that doesn't dominate the entire keystroke, the Koalas provide a satisfying typing feel with a bit of resonance without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that delivers a distinct typist experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. While the Koala is described as polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff, the Sage stands out with descriptors like invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. Overall, both the Koala and Sage offer a similar sound experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Durock Koala utilizes a nylon material while the Kailh Sage also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. Despite both switches having nylon bottom housings, the impact on the sound and feel of typing on these switches may slightly differ due to other factors in their construction.
In terms of overall typing experience, the Durock Koala and Kailh Sage showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch. While the top housings of both switches provide a similar crisp and resonant sound profile with their polycarbonate material, the bottom housings offer a contrasting deeper and fuller sound with their nylon material. This highlights how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and allows users to choose switches based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have similar actuation forces, both with unknown grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Koala requires 67 grams, while the Sage requires 70 grams, making the Sage slightly heavier. The Koala provides a medium-heavy typing experience with its bottom out force, while the Sage offers a similar medium-heavy feel. This difference in weight may appeal to different preferences among users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Koala for extended typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the Sage for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we find that the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance than the Sage. The difference may not be significant for some users, but it could affect the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a more responsive feel with a shorter travel distance, the Sage switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a bit more depth, the Koala switch's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala switches provide a low-pitched and neutral tone, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches offer a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by external factors like the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switches are polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility. The Koalas offer a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, making for a satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switches are described as invigorating and sharp, offering a firm actuation force with a snappy and reactive feel. The Sage switches feature a strong and crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each press.
With such distinct characteristics in sound and feel, choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switches and the Kailh Sage clicky switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile along with a polished and stiff typing experience, the Durock Koala switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crunchier sound and a sharper tactile bump with a firm actuation force, the Kailh Sage switches could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, then the Durock Koalas may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile bump, then the Kailh Sage switches might be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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