Durock Koala vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the TTC Speed Silver are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch known for its stepped tactility and pronounced bump that provides a satisfying keystroke without being overly loud. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is a linear switch prized for its fast and precise typing experience, with a reduced travel distance for effortless actuation. While the Koala offers a middle ground for those who prefer a punchy keystroke, the Speed Silver is ideal for those who value speed and precision in their typing. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Durock Koala and the TTC Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it a popular choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Speed Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
While both switches share similar qualities in their top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The split between the bottom and top housings means that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the typing experience. The Koala's nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver will impact the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials showcases how different combinations can result in unique typing experiences.
Overall, both the Durock Koala and the TTC Speed Silver offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials. The Koala's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a crisper sound when pressing down on a key and a fuller sound when releasing it. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing creates a consistent sharp and higher-pitched sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches demonstrate the influence of housing materials on sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch differ significantly. The Durock Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the TTC Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The actuation force of the Durock Koala is unknown, while the TTC Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the TTC Speed Silver requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Durock Koala. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Speed Silver, as it allows for more prolonged typing sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock Koala despite its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Koala offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance can appeal to gamers or those seeking a faster response time. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their travel distances, so selecting the best one for you will depend on your personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, while the Koala has a longer travel distance, and the Speed Silver has a shorter distance, both switches can provide quality performance based on your specific needs.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing scenarios. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, presenting a gentler typing experience with less pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and consistent typing feel for users, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility and actuation force.
In conclusion, while the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Koala excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback with a low-pitched sound, while the Speed Silver focuses on a fast and precise typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactility, sound, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced bump with medium-heavy resistance and a bit of resonance, the Durock Koala is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance with reduced travel distance for quick and precise typing, the TTC Speed Silver is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch, whether it be actuation force, sound profile, or typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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