Durock Koala vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch. The Durock Koala is often celebrated for its balanced performance, featuring a pronounced bump that provides a satisfying tactile feedback without overwhelming the user; this stepped tactility makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a bit of punch in their keystrokes while maintaining a subtle, polished resonance that isn't too loud. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch with a smooth linear feel, making it perfect for extended typing sessions where reduced finger fatigue is a priority. While both switches cater to different preferences—those seeking tactile feedback versus those wanting a smooth and effortless typing experience—they each hold unique advantages in the realm of gaming and typing. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Huano Sakura, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housing compositions and a notable similarity in their bottom housing materials. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK top housing, which, while also constructive in sound, offers a smoother typing experience due to its low friction coefficient and remarkable durability. Despite the differing materials, both the Koala and Sakura aim to provide an engaging auditory experience, albeit through different sound profiles, with the Koala favoring brightness and the Sakura promoting smoothness.
Both switches, however, share a common material for their bottom housings, utilizing nylon construction. This similarity is crucial as nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing enhances the switches' overall performance by contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, regardless of their distinct top housing materials, the Koala and Sakura will exhibit similar characteristics in this domain, where the nylon will soften the sound and provide a rounded typing experience. Therefore, while users might notice a difference in sound traits when the switch is released, the foundational listening experience remains consistent because of the nylon utilized in both models.
In summary, the Durock Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile that contrasts with the smoother experience provided by the Sakura's POK top housing. Both switches offer an enjoyable auditory experience, but the distinct materials introduce unique characteristics that can cater to individual preferences. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a foundational depth and fullness in sound, demonstrating how material choices can result in varied auditory outputs while still converging in certain aspects of performance. As a result, the combination of these materials allows users to explore a diverse range of typing experiences across different switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is needed to actuate, while its bottom out force is notably heavier at 67 grams, indicating a substantial feel when pressed down completely. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of only 45 grams. This difference means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions would likely find the Sakura more comfortable. Meanwhile, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might favor the Koala, despite its lack of specified actuation force. Overall, the Sakura is the lighter option, whereas the Koala is the heavier choice, appealing to different user preferences based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Koala offers a longer travel distance compared to the Sakura, providing a more pronounced depth during key presses. Given the trend in gaming towards shorter travel distances for quicker response times, the Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive feel. However, for users who value a more traditional depth in their switches, the Koala's 4 mm travel distance would be the better choice, as it offers a richer tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding key travel 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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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, the Durock Koala tactile switch features a low-pitched and neutral acoustic profile. This means that its sound is more bass-heavy and mellow, creating a pleasant typing experience without being excessively loud. The neutral nature of the Koala’s sound allows it to fit comfortably in various environments, whether at home or in an office. The Huano Sakura linear switch, however, does not have a specified sound profile, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Sound characteristics can also vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, which can influence both switches' auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Koala switch shines with its polished finish and stepped tactility. This results in a smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by a noticeable bump that doesn’t overwhelm the user. The tactility is accented, providing a satisfying feedback without being too aggressive, which makes it ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, being a linear switch, typically offers a smoother key press without any tactile feedback. This means that while the Koalas provide a distinct sensation during use, the Sakuras are geared towards a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke experience.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out for its engaging sound and refined tactile feel, making it well-suited for those who appreciate a balance between feedback and smoothness. In contrast, while the Huano Sakura linear switch is not elaborated upon with specific qualities, linear switches generally cater to users who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted typing experience. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for tactility and sound, with the Koalas providing pronounced feedback and acoustics, while the Sakuras promise a lightweight and smooth touch. Each switch will deliver different experiences, but both can satisfy distinct typing demands in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between noticeable and subtle, and prefer a heavier bottom-out force that provides a satisfying typing experience, the Koala is an excellent option. Its stepped tactility and low-pitched sound profile make it suitable for a range of environments, from gaming to professional work. On the other hand, if you value a lighter touch and require a switch that facilitates prolonged typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue, the Sakura's feather-light actuation force and smooth key travel would be more appropriate. The Sakura’s medium acoustics also make it a versatile choice for quiet environments. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environments in which you will be using your keyboard; both switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different needs.
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