Durock Koala vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct experiences to satisfy different preferences. The Koala, a tactile switch, strikes a balance for those who enjoy a noticeable bump in their keystrokes without it being overwhelming. With a stepped tactility and a bit of resonance, these switches are ideal for those seeking a punchy yet refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch, boasts a swift activation and a smooth typing feel, reminiscent of the famed basketball duo, Steph and Klay. Known for their creamy sound signature, these switches offer a subtle yet satisfying typing experience. While the Koala leans towards a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Splash Brothers emphasize a swift and smooth keystroke. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of sound and aesthetics, both keyboards will provide a similar experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, the Durock Koala and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a more muted and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers also feature a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both keyboards benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to their overall sound quality.
When considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of the keyboard. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing contributes more to the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Koala and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both keyboards offer a balanced and satisfying typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have different weights when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Jwick Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter. This means that the Durock Koala will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, suitable for users who prefer a heavier switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers will offer a lighter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a switch with less resistance. When choosing between the two, individuals should consider their preferences for a heavier or lighter typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Koala's 4.0mm distance is more traditional and offers a deeper key press experience compared to the Splash Brothers' 3.5mm, which provides a slightly quicker response time. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster reactions, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the switch with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Koala providing a bit more depth and the Splash Brothers offering a quicker response.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
In terms of sound, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound level that is generally suitable for various environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard type and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. These features result in a smooth and refined typing experience with a pronounced tactility that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is characterized by its mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished attributes. These qualities provide a gentle typing experience with responsive feedback and a subtle keypress resistance.
Overall, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala may be the better choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a linear switch with a smooth typing feel and a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Durock Koala is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a creamy sound signature and a gentle typing experience, the Jwick Splash Brothers would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for.
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