Durock Koala vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Koala and the Jwick Taro mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, it is clear that they each have their own unique features and benefits. The Koala is favored by users who enjoy a keystroke with a punchy feel but not overpowering, thanks to its stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without spanning the entire keystroke. On the other hand, the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Jwick Taro, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. This means that users can expect a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal from both the Koala and Taro switches when it comes to their top housing material.
On the other hand, the Koala features a nylon bottom housing, while the Taro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This choice of material gives both switches a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience and sound profile from both the Koala and Taro switches due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Durock Koala and Jwick Taro switches will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that showcases the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have similar actuation forces, both weighing in at None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. When comparing the two, one is not lighter or heavier than the other in terms of actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, both switches would provide similar results. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, either switch would be a suitable option due to their medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Jwick Taro would come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Koala. The 0.3 mm might not seem like a significant difference, but for users who prefer a shallower press, the Taro could be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth and feedback might lean towards the Koala. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, offering a balance between responsiveness and key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, both the Durock Koala and Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they offer a moderate level of noise that is suitable for various environments and preferences. While the Koala switches have a low-pitched tone that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the Taro switches produce acute and crisp clacks, giving a slightly different auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches will give you similar results in terms of sound quality, with minor differences in pitch.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switches are known for their polished and accented tactile experience. The switches have a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. They also offer a stepped tactility, giving a pronounced bump that is not too overwhelming. Additionally, the switches are described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are praised for their buttery feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They also feature a stepped tactile feedback, providing a mild bump that is not too intense. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Koala being more pronounced and stiff, while the Taro is smoother and buttery.
Overall, the Durock Koala switches and Jwick Taro switches offer distinct tactile and auditory experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Koalas provide a middle ground between intense tactility and smooth keystrokes with a low-pitched sound profile, the Taros offer a cozy and buttery typing experience with acute clacks. Depending on your preference for a pronounced or smoother tactile feel, you can choose between the Koala and Taro switches to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for key feel. If you enjoy a polished, accented, stepped, and slightly stiffer typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery, stepped typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jwick Taro switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles, so sound may not be the differentiating factor in this decision. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and tactile feedback.
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