Durock Koala vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile feedback against the smoothness of a hall effect switch. The Durock Koala switch stands out with its stepped tactility, offering a satisfying yet controlled bump that strikes a balance for users who enjoy a punchy keystroke without excessive noise. This balanced feel makes the Koala an excellent option for typists who prefer a pronounced tactile response while maintaining a low-pitched resonance. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those seeking an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with its neutral sound signature creating that coveted "thock" sound that many keyboard aficionados desire. Featuring a dustproof stem designed to minimize wobble, the Sticky Rice offers a refined sensation that doesn't compromise on performance. While both switches provide unique qualities tailored to different preferences, they each have compelling reasons for selection. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Koala and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a distinctly sharp and crisp sound profile. This common material creates a resonant audio experience, enhancing the higher-pitched tones during keypresses. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them especially appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and visual appeal when using either Durock Koala or Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, reinforcing the effectiveness of polycarbonate in producing vibrant and engaging keyboard experiences.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge, with both utilizing nylon for their construction. Nylon is celebrated for its unique acoustic properties, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This softer material absorbs sound more effectively, which contributes to a rounder and less sharp audio when typing. As users stroke the keys, the impact of the nylon bottom housing becomes evident in the tactile feedback and overall auditory experience. Thus, while the top housing maintains the bright and transparent characteristics of polycarbonate, the nylon bottom housing dampens sound and adds warmth, creating a harmonious balance between the two materials.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offers a remarkable interplay of sound qualities. The polycarbonate top's clarity complements the nylon bottom's depth, resulting in a well-rounded auditory experience that meets the preferences of various keyboard enthusiasts. While users may experience slight differences in sound and feel during key presses, the shared material attributes allow for a cohesive similarity between the two switches. By carefully selecting combinations of materials, both manufacturers achieve a dynamic range of auditory sensations, appealing to different types of users who appreciate diverse keystroke experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there is a notable difference in both their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Koala switch has an unrecorded actuation force, but nonetheless, it features a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) switch has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of only 50 grams. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) significantly lighter than the Koala, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. Overall, while the Koala's heavier bottom-out force may provide more feedback and a robust feel for typists seeking intensity, the lighter actuation and bottom-out forces of the Sticky Rice (V2) cater to those who favor a softer, quicker keystroke response. As a result, the choice between these switches largely depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force sensitivity.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find a notable difference. The Koala switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Sticky Rice (V2) may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper key press might gravitate towards the Koala, with its more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. Ultimately, if one seeks a balance between speed and a hearty keypress, their choice will hinge on individual preference for either the shorter or longer travel distance of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, the Koala provides a low-pitched and neutral auditory experience. This results in a bass-heavy, mellow tone that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office, making it versatile for all users. In contrast, while the specific sound characteristics of the Sticky Rice (V2) are not explicitly detailed, its focus on delivering a balanced typing experience implies a similarly refined sound profile. However, without concrete descriptors, we cannot definitively state how it compares in terms of sound quality; the final auditory outcome will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycap materials used.

In terms of tactile feel, the Durock Koala excels with its polished finish that promises a smooth and refined typing experience. Its stepped tactility offers a pronounced bump without being overwhelming, creating a mild but noticeable tactile response. It strikes a balance between being too soft or overly harsh. The Koala's requirement of a stiff actuation force also means that users will experience a firmer keystroke, enhancing the tactile experience. On the other hand, while the specific feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not provided, the reputation of the switch suggests it likely delivers a high level of smoothness, further enhanced by its dustproof stem. This indicates that users might find it equally satisfying, creating a refined and tactile sensation.

In conclusion, both the Durock Koala and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer compelling qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. The Koala stands out with its low-pitched sound and polished, stepped tactile feel, while the Sticky Rice (V2), although lacking specific sound and feel descriptions, is likely to provide a smooth and balanced typing experience that appeals to many users. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference, as both switches promise to deliver satisfying and enjoyable results, whether it be sound, feel, or overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a medium-heavy keystroke that offers a solid tactile experience, the Koala is an excellent choice. Its pronounced bump and polished feel cater to those who appreciate a more confident keystroke without excessive noise—ideal for both office environments and home use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely the better option. Its low-pitched, neutral sound profile combined with a refined tactile sensation makes it a suitable choice for users who value a smooth and whisper-quiet experience, perfect for late-night typing or quieter surroundings. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Koala or the silky smoothness of the Sticky Rice, aligning your choice with how you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more