Durock Koala vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky V3 stand out as popular options in the market. The Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between a satisfying keystroke and a subtle touch, providing a pronounced bump without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is a linear switch known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a wide range of typing preferences with comfort and precision. While the Koala offers a polished, low-pitched, and accented typing experience, the Sky V3 provides a more subdued and mild feel. 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
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
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
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when typing on either of these keyboards, especially when it comes to key release sound.
On the other hand, the Koala features a nylon bottom housing, while the Sky V3 also opts for a nylon bottom housing as well. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This material choice enhances the typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound, providing users with a tactile feeling that is unique to switches utilizing nylon housing.
While both the Durock Koala and the Dareu Sky V3 share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing composition. The split in housing material means that users will be able to feel the qualities of the nylon bottom housing when pressing down on the keys, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key, ensuring a nuanced and varied typing experience on both keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Sky V3 with an actuation force of 40 grams. The actuation force for the Koala is not specified, while it is unknown for the Sky V3. The Koala offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as its actuation force is lower. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with the Koala being the heavier option and the Sky V3 potentially offering a lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, they both offer a consistent typing experience with the same amount of distance traveled when pressing down on a key. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress feel regardless of which switch they choose. With both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm, neither one is shorter or longer than the other. Ultimately, the decision between the Koala and Sky V3 switches will come down to personal preference in terms of switch type (tactile vs linear) rather than travel distance.
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 V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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 tone with a bit of resonance, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch delivers a neutral and subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed. Both switches fall within the neutral sound spectrum, making them suitable for a wide range of users, whether they prefer a more pronounced sound like the Koala or a more subtle sound like the Sky V3.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished and accented typing experience, with a stepped tactility that provides a moderate amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the switch is also described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The Sky V3 falls in the safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel, offering comfort and precision for typing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala excels in providing a pronounced bump and low-pitched sound with a polished and accented feel, while the Sky V3 boasts a neutral sound with a subdued profile and a mild typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, knowing that both options offer high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced tactility without being overly intense, and a low-pitched sound profile, then the Koala may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature, a medium-light weight, and a more mild typing experience, then the Sky V3 could be the better option. Consider how you like your keystrokes to feel, how much force you prefer to apply, and whether you enjoy a more subdued sound when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs.
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