Durock Koala vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Durock Sea Glass offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Koala is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying click without being too overwhelming, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a noticeable bump in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is a linear switch known for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, despite its 62g bottom-out force. With its pastel colors and distinct dryness, the Sea Glass switches stand out as a favorite choice for many. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Durock Sea Glass both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, whereas the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter, more pleasant sound. The contrast in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the unique blend of polymers found in the Sea Glass.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Koala and Sea Glass also play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing contributes to a pleasant, brighter sound. The differences in sound profiles between the bottom housings of the two switches highlight how the choice of material can impact the typing experience for users.
While the housing materials of the Durock Koala and Durock Sea Glass differ, the overall typing experience with both switches can be equally satisfying. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance in sound characteristics, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Koala or the unique blend of polymers in the Sea Glass, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Koala requires no specific actuation force, making it a lighter option in this aspect. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel compared to the Koala. In terms of bottom out force, the Koala has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, falling in the medium-heavy category, while the Sea Glass has a slightly lower bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. Therefore, those looking for a lighter actuation force may prefer the Durock Koala, while those seeking a slightly heavier actuation force may lean towards the Durock Sea Glass. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Koala has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Sea Glass. In contrast, the Sea Glass offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Koala being slightly longer than the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too loud or overwhelming. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, creating a distinct typing experience that is both airy and dry. Overall, both switches provide a pleasing auditory feedback, with the Koala offering a low-pitched sound and the Sea Glass showcasing a more hollow tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is characterized by a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel, offering a light and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Koala offering a more tactile and pronounced bump, while the Sea Glass provides a smooth and weightless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a low-pitched sound with a polished and accented feel, giving a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, while the Sea Glass offers a hollow sound with a frictionless and feathery feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences, with the Koala catering to those who appreciate a tactile bump, and the Sea Glass appealing to those who prefer a smooth and weightless keystroke. With either switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that suits your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a noticeable tactile bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a weightless feel and a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the Koala offers a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience, while the Sea Glass provides a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel. Choose based on your desired level of tactility, smoothness, and sound profile for an optimal typing experience.
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