Durock Koala vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and KTT Strawberry offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance for those who enjoy a noticeable bump in their keystrokes without it being too overwhelming. Its stepped tactility provides a satisfying feedback without being overly loud, making it ideal for those who like a bit of resonance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With a low-pitched and silky feel, the Strawberry switch is loved for its buttery smooth keystrokes. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Both the Durock Koala and KTT Strawberry utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Koala features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that contrasts with the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top housing.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housings between the Koala and Strawberry affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the qualities of the housing materials impacts the typing experience differently for each switch. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings creates a unique typing experience for each switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and KTT Strawberry showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Koala's addition of a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material influences the sound profile and feel of a switch can help enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and KTT Strawberry linear switch differ in weight. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams making it lighter, while the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is heavier than the Strawberry's 62 grams. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Strawberry for its lower actuation force, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Koala offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. With both switches having the same travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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, the Durock Koala switch is known for its low-pitched nature, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch shares a similar low-pitched sound profile, offering a smooth and pleasant auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing sound, with the Koala being slightly more pronounced due to its tactile nature.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala switch is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility and a two-stage bump sensation. Additionally, this switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate, providing a satisfying resistance for users who prefer a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This indicates an extremely smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance, offering a fluid and seamless keystroke experience. Both switches provide a unique typing feel, with the Koala focusing more on tactility and resistance, while the Strawberry emphasizes smoothness and fluidity.
Overall, the Durock Koala and KTT Strawberry switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala is more tactile and pronounced in sound, with a satisfying bump and higher actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Strawberry is smoother and softer in both sound and feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for key feel and sound levels, users can choose between the tactile punch of the Koala or the smooth actuation of the Strawberry to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the level of tactility and bottom out force that suits your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without it spanning the entire keystroke, the Koala switch is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and lower bottom out force, the Strawberry switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Additionally, take into account the sound profile and feel of each switch to enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so select the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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