Durock Koala vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Huano Strawberry Latte present two distinct yet appealing options for gamers and typists alike. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, strikes a harmonious balance between a satisfying keystroke feedback and a noise level that won't disrupt your surroundings. Known for its stepped tactility, the Koala offers a pronounced bump without overwhelming the user, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte showcases the smoothness of a linear switch, designed with the latest molds that ensure an ultra-smooth keystroke experience. This switch is characterized by its balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—which makes it ideal for a variety of tasks, from fast-paced gaming to long typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Koala favoring tactile feedback and the Strawberry Latte offering effortless gliding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable differences arise in their top housings while their bottom housings are identical. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, prized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the overall aesthetic. This is complemented by the Koala's nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound by absorbing more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which is also designed to optimize performance but offers a different set of advantages. While it may not match the clarity and resonant quality of polycarbonate, the POK material boasts impressive wear and shock resistance properties, making it excellent for creating durable switches. The same nylon bottom housing featured in the Koala contributes similarly to sound quality in the Strawberry Latte, allowing users to experience a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, while the top housing materials differ significantly, both shares the beneficial properties of nylon, leading to comparable auditory experiences when both switches are engaged.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials mean that each switch offers distinct characteristics. The Durock Koala, with its polycarbonate top, excels in producing a bright and resonant sound, while the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top housing delivers a smooth and stable typing experience with a more muted sound profile. Yet, with both switches employing nylon for their bottom housings, they provide a consistent foundation that influences the typing feel and sound when bottoming out. Therefore, while users may notice variances in sound and feedback when engaging the keys, both models promise reliable performance, catering to different acoustic preferences while still producing satisfying auditory results.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala's actuation force is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This significant disparity suggests that users preferring lighter switches for longer typing sessions may favor the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those seeking a more substantial push could lean towards the Durock Koala. Thus, while the Koala switch is heavier overall, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Strawberry Latte provide a distinct advantage for tactile comfort, especially during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Koala the longer of the two, providing a more substantial depth for users who appreciate a hearty feel in their key presses. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte caters to those who favor quicker response times, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking an edge in performance. Ultimately, if you prefer a more rapid actuation, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice; however, if you value a more tactile feedback with depth, the Koala would suit your needs better.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switches produce a low-pitched and neutral tone, which results in a softer, bass-heavy auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly distracting. This makes them suitable for various environments, whether for casual or professional use. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer a balanced sound profile that, while not quiet, also avoids excessive resonance. The Strawberry Lattes aren’t as specifically defined in their sound characteristics, leaving room for interpretation based on various factors such as the keyboard they are paired with and keycap choices, but they maintain a balanced tone overall.
In terms of feel, the Koala switches stand out for their polished finish, offering a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Their accented and stepped design contributes to a medium tactile feedback that delivers a noticeable bump without overwhelming the user, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Moreover, they are characterized as stiff, requiring a more considerable force to actuate and bottom-out, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer response. On the other hand, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches remains unspecified, which leaves a gap in direct comparison. However, given that they are designed for smoothness, they may provide a more consistent and fluid typing experience typical of linear switches.
In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switches are celebrated for their low-pitched sound and smooth, responsive feel characterized by a pronounced tactile bump, making them ideal for a balanced typing experience that isn’t overly loud. The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, while also maintaining a balanced sound, deliver a smooth keystroke, although their tactile characteristics remain less defined. Ultimately, if one approaches these switches with the right expectations and setup, both can offer satisfying and enjoyable experiences tailored to individual preferences, from the tactile feedback of the Koalas to the fluidity of the Strawberry Lattes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. If you tend to enjoy a typing feel that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, the Koala switch may be your best bet. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it delivers a satisfying tactile bump that enhances typing accuracy without being overwhelmingly pronounced, making it ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. The low-pitched tone adds a pleasant auditory experience that’s suitable for quieter environments. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and an ultra-smooth keystroke with less resistance, the Huano Strawberry Latte with its 45-gram bottom out force would likely be more suited to your needs. This switch excels in providing a nearly effortless typing experience, perfect for rapid key presses, and offers a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious chord between too loud and too quiet. By reflecting on your typing habits and desired sound and feel, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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