Durock Koala vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch. The Koalas are ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't overpower the keystroke, offering a balanced combination of feedback and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine switches are known for their smooth and clacky keystrokes, thanks to a factory lube job that ensures a silky typing experience. While the Koala is described as polished, low-pitched, and neutral with a stiff feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is characterized as clacky, resonant, and high-pitched. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2). In contrast, the POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a distinct typing experience. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a similar feel when typing on both switches.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the polycarbonate top housing of the Durock Koala offers a translucent quality that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may lack this feature but provides a unique sound profile that appeals to users seeking a deeper and richer typing experience. The nylon bottom housing common to both switches absorbs sound to create a duller and rounder tone, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite their differences in top housing material, the shared bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similar level of sound absorption and tactile feedback when using either switch.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Koala produces a crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more muted tone. Both switches provide a deep and full sound experience due to their nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing feel across the two options. Whether you prioritize a sharper sound profile or a deeper tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a much lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force for the Koala is unspecified, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires a lighter touch to activate a keystroke compared to the Koala. These varying forces cater to different preferences - the lighter force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier force of the Koala may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Strawberry Wine (V2) the shorter option in terms of travel distance. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0mm distance is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Strawberry Wine (V2) a popular choice in that regard. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Koala with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various use cases. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound with a higher-pitched profile, creating a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics, whether it be a more subdued and neutral tone or a vibrant and lively clack.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent yet manageable level of tactility. Meanwhile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is highlighted for its silky smooth feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with minimal resistance. Whether one prefers a more refined and accented tactile feel or a silky smooth linear feel will determine the choice between these two switches.
Considering both sound and feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Koala provides a balanced tactile experience with a low-pitched sound and stepped tactility, the Strawberry Wine offers a prominent linear feel with a clacky and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that both options deliver satisfactory results tailored to the user's preferences.
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 too overwhelming, the Durock Koala switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant, clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, when choosing between the two, consider whether you prioritize tactility and medium-heavy keypresses (Durock Koala) or a lighter, smoother typing experience with a unique sound profile (Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)). Each switch offers its own set of characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
