Durock Koala vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different typing preferences. The Durock Koala is renowned for its stepped tactility, providing a noticeable bump during each keystroke that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness—a perfect fit for those who enjoy a bit of punch without overwhelming noise. Its low-pitched resonance adds a unique character without being overly loud, making it suitable for both casual and more serious typing experiences. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who seek a more tranquil typing atmosphere. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force, this linear switch enables soft and subtle presses that evoke a serene environment, ideal for light typists who prefer the peaceful sound of gentle raindrops while they work. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice between the tactile Koala and the whisper-quiet Silent Sakura largely depends on personal typing style and environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches showcase distinctly different housing materials that play a significant role in shaping their individual sound profiles. The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that fosters a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the material's stiffness, which promotes clarity and resonance. This quality is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a more vibrant sound, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the illumination effect. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a softer auditory experience that may be more appealing to those seeking a less intense auditory feedback while typing.
On the bottom housing front, the Koala incorporates nylon, which contributes to its overall sound character by providing a fuller, rounder sound profile. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further elevates the sound's clarity and crispness. In essence, while both switches offer a unique auditory experience, the Koala's nylon bottom aids in softening the output while preserving that crisper sound contributed by its polycarbonate top, whereas the Silent Sakura's combination of polycarbonate in the bottom housing enhances the high frequencies even further, creating a more compelling experience with sharper sounds. As such, the material choices reflect differing philosophies regarding the intended auditory results.
Ultimately, despite the differences in material compositions, the Koala and Silent Sakura - 43g can achieve somewhat similar outcomes in their sound profiles, albeit through different pathways. The combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom (in the Koala) and a nylon top with a polycarbonate bottom (in the Silent Sakura) creates a balanced mix. Both switches manage to blend the clarity provided by their polycarbonate housings with the fullness offered by nylon, allowing users to experience a satisfying typing sound that caters to a range of preferences. Whether a keyboard enthusiast prefers the crispness or the depth, both switches can provide an engaging typing experience when utilized strategically.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, while the Silent Sakura features both a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. As a result, the Silent Sakura is generally considered the lighter option, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In contrast, the heavier feel of the Koala can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer switches with a firmer push. Since the Koala's actuation force is unknown, we cannot compare it directly with the Silent Sakura’s actuation force, but the overall distinction in their bottom out forces highlights the differences in their tactile feedback and user experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that both switches offer a similar feel and responsiveness when pressed. This equality in travel distance suggests that users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of key press depth, regardless of which switch they choose. Since both switches are designed to travel the same distance from top to bottom, they are likely to produce similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall performance during use.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 delivers a low-pitched and neutral acoustic profile, resulting in a typing experience that has a mellow resonance without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office, as it does not draw excessive attention. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to provide a whisper-quiet typing experience reminiscent of raindrops, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a serene and unobtrusive atmosphere while typing. Both switches will produce distinct sound characteristics, but the Koala leans more towards a low-pitched timbre, while the Silent Sakura is aimed at silence.
In terms of feel, the Koala excels with its polished and accentuated tactile response, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The stepped tactile design allows users to experience a noticeable bump during keystrokes without overwhelming feedback, striking a balance that many users appreciate. Additionally, this switch is described as stiff, requiring a higher force to actuate, which can foster precise typing for those who enjoy a more substantial engagement. There is no specific information regarding the feel characteristics of the Silent Sakura - 43g, leaving its tactile response and overall typing experience relatively unknown.
In summary, the Durock Koala presents a well-defined balance of sound and feel, characterized by a pleasant acoustic profile and a smooth tactile experience that suits both casual and dedicated typists. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is focused on providing near-silent operation ideal for quieter environments, though its tactile qualities remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches appeal to different preferences: the Koala serves those looking for tactile feedback and a respectable auditory signature, while the Silent Sakura caters to users prioritizing quietness and light touch. Depending on personal typing style and desired environment, either of these switches can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback that provides a satisfying bump while still maintaining a relatively subdued sound profile, the Durock Koala is an excellent option for you. These switches are ideal if you like a more substantial keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, which can give you a sense of control without being overly strenuous on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet typing experience and prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g will better suit your needs. With a gentle 43-gram actuation force, these switches are perfect for those long typing sessions where silence is key, such as in shared workspaces or late-night gaming marathons. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the balance you want to achieve between tactile feedback and noise level.
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