Durock Koala vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, to the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, it is important to note the distinct features that set them apart. The Koalas are ideal for those who enjoy a tactile experience with a noticeable bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches offer a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch. While the Koala is known for its polished, low-pitched, and accented characteristics, the Salt Ice is notable for its vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Salt Ice feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Koala diverges with its nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
When it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches, the housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Koala's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon keypress, contrasting with the crisper sound from its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the sharp and resonant sound from its top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches provide a satisfying typing feel, albeit with varying sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Salt Ice may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, users looking for a more rounded sound may prefer the Koala, while those seeking a consistent sharp sound profile may opt for the Salt Ice. Regardless, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to Salt Ice's unknown bottom out force. However, the Salt Ice has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Koala is not specified. This means that the Koala switch would provide a heavier typing experience overall due to its higher bottom out force, while the Salt Ice switch would require less force to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Koala, while those looking for a lighter touch may lean towards the Salt Ice. Overall, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, and heavier switches offering a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option compared to the Koala. The shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice might be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Koala with its longer travel distance could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both options offer a different typing experience, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feedback. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the preferred travel distance will result in a more satisfying typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone to keystrokes. This sound profile is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a polished typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. It also offers an accented tactile feel that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. The step in the switch provides a unique two-stage feel, adding to the typing experience. Additionally, the Koala switch is described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch are not provided.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, a polished and accented tactile feel with a unique stepped design, and a stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's sound and feel characteristics are unknown. Despite this, if you enjoy the features of the Durock Koala switch, you could likely expect similar results with the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch as both are well-regarded options within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without the entire keystroke being tactile, the Koala switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy an exceptionally bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you appreciate low-pitched and neutral sound profiles along with a polished, accented, stepped, or stiff feel, the Koala switch offers a refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
Mentioned in this article
