Durock Koala vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between tactile and linear options, and two popular contenders in this space are the Durock Koala and the Bsun Taichi. The Koala is celebrated for its stepped tactility that delivers a satisfying bump during typing without overwhelming the user, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without excessive noise. Its polished, low-pitched characteristic lends itself to a comfortable, yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi offers a smooth, linear action characterized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch is designed for those who prioritize fluid keystrokes and stability, perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing where smoothness reigns supreme. While the Koala caters to tactile enthusiasts wanting a pleasing keystroke, the Taichi appeals to those who seek uninterrupted continuity in their typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Bsun Taichi keyboards both feature polycarbonate top housings, lending a distinctive sound profile that emphasizes crispness and clarity. Polycarbonate, as a material, is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched auditory experience. This commonality means that users of either keyboard can anticipate a similar sound quality when typing or gaming, especially when paired with RGB lighting that accentuates the translucence of the polycarbonate. The aesthetic benefits of this material, alongside its contributions to sound, create an appealing and dynamic user experience for both keyboards.
Contrasting the top housings, the Koala and Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly impacts the overall sound profile of these switches. Nylon's characteristics as a softer plastic lead to a more rounded and fuller sound when pressed. This softness allows the bottom housing to absorb more sound, resulting in a dampened bottom-out noise that contrasts sharply with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. Consequently, both keyboards offer a unique duality in sound—while the tops deliver clarity, the bottoms provide depth and warmth, ultimately enriching the typing experience across both models.
The synergy between the materials used in the Koala and Taichi ensures that each contributes uniquely to the overall sound and feel of the switches. With the polycarbonate top housing producing a bright and resonant sound and the nylon bottom housing delivering a deeper tone, users of either keyboard can anticipate a rich auditory experience that combines both clarity and depth. This thoughtful combination allows for expressive typing and gaming, providing the best of both worlds in terms of acoustic properties. The similarity in material choice leads to analogous results, emphasizing that while each switch has its differentiating factors, they collectively enhance the performance and enjoyment of the user.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, providing a substantial feel when typing. However, the actuation force for the Koala is unknown, making it impossible to gauge how that might compare to the Taichi. In contrast, the Taichi has a specified actuation force of 40 grams, positioning it as the lighter option among the two; this could contribute to easier, longer typing sessions. The bottom out force for the Taichi is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding how it would feel when fully depressed. Overall, while the Koala offers a heavier bottom out experience, the Taichi's lighter actuation force could appeal to those seeking more effortless keystrokes, highlighting different user preferences in the tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Koala offers a slightly deeper key press, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel and the satisfying feedback of a longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to users who prefer quicker actuation, making it a potentially better option for gamers seeking faster response times. Overall, the Koala's travel distance of 4 mm is the longer option here, while the Taichi's 3.6 mm stands as the shorter one. If you are looking for a switch that provides a more robust typing experience, the Koala would be the preferable choice, but for rapid keystrokes, the Taichi may be more suitable.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, creating a mellower auditory experience that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. This sound profile can blend seamlessly into everyday use without creating distractions, making it a favorable choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This feature is largely attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs, contributing to a more pronounced auditory cue upon key activation. However, since the sound can also depend on external factors such as the keyboard's build and keycap material, the overall acoustic experience may vary.
In terms of tactile feel, the Durock Koala delivers a polished and accented typing experience. With its medium tactile bump that’s far from overwhelming, users can expect a smooth key travel due to the refined finish. The stepped design adds an engaging aspect to the keystroke, allowing for a distinct yet controlled feedback sensation throughout the actuation. In contrast, the tactile and smooth characteristics of the Taichi linear switch remain unspecified, which leaves a gap in understanding how it may compare during actual use. The Koala switches require more force for actuation, leading to a stiffer feel that some users might appreciate for their typing habits.
Conclusively, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out with its balanced sound and tactile feedback, making it an attractive option for users searching for both auditory pleasure and a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi linear switch appears to prioritize stability and smoothness with its distinctive high-pitched sound profile. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Koalas offer a well-rounded experience that may suit a broader audience, especially for those who find joy in tactile feedback without excessive noise.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and intended use. If you find yourself leaning towards a tactile experience that strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and smoothness, the Koala would be your go-to. Its medium-heavy actuation force, coupled with a stepped tactility, provides a refined typing experience with just enough feedback without being overwhelming. The low-pitched sound profile and polished feel make it an excellent choice for both casual and professional settings, allowing you to type without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, if you prioritize sheer smoothness and enjoy a linear action without tactile feedback, the Bsun Taichi could be ideal. Its unique long-pole design aims for stability and an enjoyable typing experience marked by a distinctive high-pitched sound. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy gaming or prefer a quieter workspace. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prefer the tactile punch of the Koalas or the silky glide of the Taichis; both switches have their unique strengths depending on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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