Durock Koala vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky POM switches stand out as popular options with unique qualities. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is renowned for its perfect balance of punch and subtlety. With a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without overwhelming the keystroke, it offers a satisfying typing experience with a bit of resonance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch, a linear option, sets itself apart by being crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point. Known for its clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, the Sky POM is favored by those seeking a buttery, creamy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general descriptions to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky POM, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Koala and the Sky POM utilize nylon which is a classic switch housing material. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to the ears. By incorporating nylon into the bottom housing, both switches provide a consistent typing experience with the same sound characteristics throughout.
Overall, while the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky POM have different top housing materials, they both feature nylon bottom housings. This allows for a similar typing experience with deep and full sound profiles. The different housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of each switch, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound from POM, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to various preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have contrasting actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Koala switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM is lighter in terms of actuation force, allowing for easier and quicker keystrokes. Both switches have one force value unknown, making it difficult to directly compare them in terms of overall weight. Those who prefer lighter switches may prefer the Sky POM for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sky POM has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Koala being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various preferences and settings. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch also features a low-pitched sound, providing a smooth and clacky typing experience that is characteristic of switches crafted entirely from POM material. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium tactile feel that is not overwhelming or subtle. The Dareu Sky POM switch, on the other hand, is known for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience that enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency. While the Koala offers a more tactile and stepped feel, the Sky POM switch focuses on delivering a silky and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a balanced tactile experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Sky POM switch offers a smooth and clacky typing feel with a buttery and creamy sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit in slightly different ways. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch crafted entirely from POM material that offers exceptional smoothness, a clacky sound, and a gentle actuation force, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch would be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound profile that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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