Durock Koala vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features for tactile typing experiences. The Koalas provide a balanced feel with a pronounced bump that doesn't overwhelm the user, giving a satisfying keystroke without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile feedback that is gentle and smooth, accompanied by a clean and crisp sound profile. While the Koala is categorized as polished, low-pitched, and stiff, the Duck is characterized as buttery and mild. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
While both the Durock Koala and SP-Star Duck utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the Koala differs with its nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This material is also beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Koala produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a duller and rounder sound thanks to its softer nature. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Durock Koala and SP-Star Duck benefit from the clear polycarbonate top housing, which provides a visually appealing look to the switches. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall appearance of the switches. However, the choice of housing material also affects the tactile and auditory feedback when typing on the switches. While the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound. This difference underscores how the composition of housing materials can influence the user experience of mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the Durock Koala and SP-Star Duck exemplify the impact that housing materials can have on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. By combining different materials for the top and bottom housings, these switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by both the polycarbonate and nylon components. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the Koala's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper tone compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Duck's 58 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine the exact difference in this aspect. In terms of weight, the Koala can be considered heavier than the Duck due to its higher bottom out force. The Koala's heavier force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Duck's lighter bottom out force may be preferable for longer typing sessions and gaming. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the opportunity to choose based on their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation depth with both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two, making them equal in this aspect.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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, both the Durock Koala and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various intents and purposes. The Koala switch has a low-pitched sound, which typically provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, creating a more subtle typing experience overall. It's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch provides a tactile typing experience that is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. These features result in a smooth and refined finish with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, offering a middle ground between too much and too little tactility. In comparison, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild and buttery feel, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience. This switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and sleek typing sensation.
Overall, both the Durock Koala and SP-Star Duck switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with a low-pitched sound, the Koala switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a gentler tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound, the Duck switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style, but rest assured, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Koala and the SP-Star Duck tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Koala switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a more subtle tactility with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switches may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the kind of tactile feedback and sound profile you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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