Durock Koala vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and TTC Silent Red stand out as popular options with distinctive features. The Durock Koala is favored for its balanced tactile feedback, offering a pronounced bump without being overly loud. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a satisfying keystroke that is not too aggressive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is known for its smooth and quiet operation, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. With a seamless typing experience and a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent Reds offer maximum comfort during extended use. While these general descriptions provide insight into the strengths of each switch, further exploration is needed to determine the best fit for individual preferences. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Red switches offer some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing. The Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Silent Red also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a rounder and duller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in these switches results in unique typing experiences. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, made of polycarbonate, influences the sound when releasing a key. This split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a diverse typing experience, with each housing contributing its own characteristics. While both switches offer a mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the distribution of these materials throughout the switch impacts the overall sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and the TTC Silent Red switches showcase the significance of housing materials in keyboard switches. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches results in a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The contrasting qualities of each housing material create a unique typing experience for users, with differences in sound profile and feel. Overall, the combination of these materials in the housing of these switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. However, the Durock Koala has a unique feature of having no specified actuation force, while the TTC Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the TTC Silent Red requires a lighter force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Durock Koala, which could potentially result in a faster typing experience. On the other hand, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a consistent typing feel in terms of the force required to fully press the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Durock Koala being the heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and the TTC Silent Red being the lighter option for those who value longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Koala providing a bit more depth compared to the Silent Red. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, while those who enjoy a more satisfying key press may opt for the slightly longer travel of the Koala. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for in their typing or gaming 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 and neutral sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound, ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. The Silent Red offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Koala, catering to those who prefer minimal noise during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Koala switch is characterized by its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming tactile bump. In contrast, the Silent Red offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Koala may appeal more to those who prefer a slightly stiffer key feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and TTC Silent Red switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Koala provides a pronounced bump and a low-pitched sound, the Silent Red offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes tactile feedback and a mellow sound (Koala) or a buttery feel and muted sound (Silent Red). Both switches offer a comparable level of comfort and quality, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Koala tactile switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a pronounced bump and slightly louder sound profile, the Koala may be the right choice for you. The Koalas offer a polished and accented feel, providing a unique tactile experience without being overly stiff. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Silent Red may be more suitable. With a buttery and mild feel, these switches offer a seamless and comfortable typing sensation that is perfect for shared spaces or office environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value tactility and sound or smoothness and silence in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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