Durock Koala vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Everglide Sunset Yellow offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming, making it ideal for those who enjoy a noticeable tactile feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is a linear switch known for its smooth and quiet keystrokes, offering a luxurious and seamless typing experience. Both switches have their own qualities that make them appealing choices depending on individual preferences. 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
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Everglide Sunset Yellow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound. However, both materials are known for their clarity and resonance, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Koala's nylon bottom housing generates a deep and full sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing offers a similarly deep and muted sound. Despite their differences, both switches provide a pleasing and unique typing experience.
While the Koala utilizes a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its housing materials, the Sunset Yellow relies on POM for both top and bottom housings. This allows for a more balanced distribution of sound qualities throughout the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Koala absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and more muted sound. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Koala provides a clear and resonant sound, contrasting with the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow, which produces a uniquely pleasing sound on the deeper side.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sunset Yellow may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Koala's combination of polycarbonate and nylon offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Sunset Yellow's all-POM construction provides a consistent, pleasing sound experience. Both switches showcase the benefits of using different housing materials for the top and bottom, highlighting the impact each material has on the overall typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound or a deeper and more muted tone, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Koala has a much heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams, making the Koala the heavier option between the two. In terms of actuation force, the Sunset Yellow requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. This makes the Sunset Yellow the lighter option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a different feel when typing, with the Koala providing a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Sunset Yellow offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Koala has a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. A switch with a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and a deeper press, which some users may prefer for typing or gaming. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times and can be more suitable for gamers looking for quick key presses. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which one would be the better choice.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users in various settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile with a rich and indulgent tone reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, enhancing the typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound during key presses. The choice between the two switches would depend on the preference for a more muted and neutral sound versus a vibrant and indulgent auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with a medium amount of tactility and pre/post-travel stages in the keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a fluid travel and minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Depending on individual preferences for tactile feedback and smoothness in key presses, users can choose between the stepped tactility of the Koala or the silky sensation of the Sunset Yellow.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a nuanced and polished typing experience with a focus on tactility and a neutral sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a creamy and indulgent feel with a bassy and thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound, tactility, and smoothness in key presses, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and desired auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and prefer a tactile switch with a stepped tactility, the Koala would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a linear switch with a rich, bassy sound profile and creamy, frictionless typing feel, the Sunset Yellow could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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