Durock Koala vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and TKC Tangerine are popular options with their own unique characteristics. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch that offers a perfect balance for those who enjoy a noticeable bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine is a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth feel that elevates the typing experience. While the Koala provides a stepped tactility and a bit of resonance without being too loud, the Tangerine stands out for its UHWMPE housings and high-pitched clack when typing. Each switch offers its own set of qualities to enhance your 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the TKC Tangerine, we see that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, which offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While the Koala's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing is a newer material that delivers a distinct typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Koala employs a nylon housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine uses a UHWMPE bottom housing, which shares similarities with its top housing in providing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. Although both switches offer unique characteristics in their bottom housing material, they both aim to enhance the overall sound profile and typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the TKC Tangerine ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Koala's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a balanced and clear sound profile, the Tangerine's use of UHWMPE in both top and bottom housing provides a bright and resonant typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a bright, resonant clack, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have their differences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium category. Both switches have an unknown actuation force. The Koala would be considered the heavier option between the two due to its higher bottom out force. Weight can play a significant role in user preference, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions, while a heavier switch can provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, meaning they provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom. This results in a consistent feel when pressing down on the keys for both switches. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing comfort and feedback. It is worth noting that having a consistent travel distance can improve typing accuracy and overall typing experience.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine produces a high-pitched sound, giving off a sharp and crisp noise with each keystroke. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you are aiming for in your typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel, giving a smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches provide a unique typing experience with different levels of tactility and smoothness, catering to different preferences of users.
Overall, comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that they offer different sound profiles and tactile feels. The Koala provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with a stepped tactility, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched sound with a smooth and frictionless feel. Depending on whether you prefer a pronounced bump in your keystrokes or a buttery smooth typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your overall typing satisfaction. Consider your personal preferences in sound and feel when selecting the switch that best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, the Durock Koala is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and an incredibly smooth feel that elevates your typing experience, the TKC Tangerine is the better choice. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
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