Durock Koala vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When comparing the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, it is evident that they each offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Durock Koala stands out for its stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump that is not overwhelming, along with a bit of resonance without being too loud. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is known for its comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, as well as a muted sound profile. While the Koala offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Brown provides a smoother and quieter 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

Durock Koala Tactile

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Brown are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Koala's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing also provides a deeper sound profile but with a duller and rounder tone compared to the Koala.

While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. This split in housing materials means that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material will affect the sound when a key is released. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.

In conclusion, both the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Brown offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, crisp sound with a higher pitch, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound profile. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical switch, making it essential for enthusiasts to consider the qualities of each material when selecting a switch for their keyboard setup.

Weight

The Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the TTC Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. The actuation force of the Koala is not specified, while the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Brown switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Koala switch. When it comes to weight, some may prefer the lighter Silent Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar medium-heavy feel, but the slight differences in actuation force may cater to individual preferences.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Silent Brown a potentially more favorable option in this regard. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the Koala may be the better choice with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as producing a muted sound, minimizing the typical mechanical keyboard noise for a quieter typing experience. Both switches provide different sound profiles, with the Koala leaning towards a lower pitch while the Silent Brown focuses on a softer and quieter output.

Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is renowned for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent but not overwhelming tactile bump. This switch provides a unique two-stage feel with mild pre-travel and post-travel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate compared to other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with a gentle and approachable feel for most users. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Koala having a more pronounced and stiffer tactile bump compared to the smoother and gentler feel of the Silent Brown.

In conclusion, the Durock Koala and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles catered to different preferences. The Koala provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a polished, accented, and stepped feel that is stiffer and more pronounced, while the Silent Brown offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel that is smoother and more approachable. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and bass-heavy sound (Koala) or a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel (Silent Brown). Regardless of your decision, both switches offer high-quality performance based on their respective characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a lighter resistance and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown could be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prioritize a more tactile and resonant typing experience with the Koala or a smoother and quieter typing experience with the Silent Brown.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more