Durock Koala vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, strikes a balance for users who enjoy a satisfying keystroke with its stepped tactility, creating a pronounced bump that adds feedback without overwhelming the typist. With a polished, low-pitched sound profile, the Koala provides a blend of smoothness and subtle resonance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response while maintaining some level of quietude. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat stands out as a linear switch, delivering a super smooth typing experience through its Ly stems. Lacking the tactile bump of its counterpart, the Tomcat produces a resonating sound that some users find appealing for its whisper-like keystrokes, perfect for uninterrupted, fluid typing sessions. Choosing between these two switches often boils down to whether you prefer a tactile feel or the silky smoothness of linear response; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Koala Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Durock Koala and the Bsun Tomcat are strikingly similar, as both feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches significantly contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material allows for excellent resonance and clarity in sound output, especially when RGB lighting is employed due to its translucency. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a vibrant illumination effect that enhances both the aesthetic and auditory experience. The similarities in top housing allow for a consistent sound signature that elevates the overall typing experience, irrespective of the switch brand.

In contrast to their matching top housings, the bottom housings differ by virtue of utilizing nylon in both cases. This classic housing material is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience, which complements the crisper clarity of the polycarbonate top. The contributions from the bottom housing become particularly significant when users bottom out the switch, as it produces a sound and feel characteristic of the nylon material. This dual-material approach serves to create a unique contrast; while both switches exhibit similar qualities in their top housing, the different sound signatures created by the nylon bottom housing highlight the complexity of the overall auditory experience.

In summary, while the Durock Koala and Bsun Tomcat share polycarbonate materials for their top housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile, the use of nylon in their bottom housings enriches the auditory experience by adding depth. This combination means that both switches can yield similar results in terms of clarity and vibrancy when it comes to the upper sound, yet deliver a nuanced, fuller sound when bottomed out. This interplay between the two housings showcases how material choice can influence tactile feedback and acoustic properties, allowing users to enjoy a harmonious yet dynamic typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Koala features an unknown actuation force, but it has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. In contrast, the Tomcat has a well-defined actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that the Tomcat switch will provide a more delicate typing experience, allowing users to type for extended periods with less effort. On the other hand, the Koala, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, making it suitable for users who enjoy a stronger push. In summary, the Tomcat is the lighter switch while the Koala leans towards a heavier tactile experience, making the choice between them a matter of personal typing preference.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Koala the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed compared to the Tomcat. While both switches are designed to cater to different preferences, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. In contrast, those who favor a more tactile and deeper experience might prefer the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus a more robust key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch produces a low-pitched and neutral tone, creating a mellow and unobtrusive auditory experience. This sound profile allows for a pleasant typing experience that can be suitable in various environments, from home to office settings. Given the Koala's resonance, users can expect a subtle depth to the sound that adds character without becoming distracting. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch also features a resonant sound, but specific descriptions regarding its pitch or character are not provided. Therefore, while the overall musical quality of the Tomcat may also be satisfying, without further details, it's unclear how it compares directly to the Koala in terms of auditory characteristics.

In terms of feel, the Durock Koala excels with its polished and stepped tactile sensation. Users will appreciate the smooth key travel resulting from either high-quality materials or effective factory lubing, ensuring a refined typing experience. The stepped tactile nature offers a pronounced but controlled bump, making it feel medium in terms of tactile feedback—not overwhelming and not lacking. Additionally, the stiffness of the Koala means that it requires a fair amount of force to actuate, appealing to those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, there is insufficient information regarding the feel of the Tomcat switches, leaving uncertainty around their smoothness, tactility, and actuation force. Consequently, potential users may need to seek reviews or firsthand experiences to gauge how they align with their preferences.

In summary, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a well-rounded typing experience that balances a satisfying sound profile with a smooth, tactile feel. While the Koalas offer low-pitched resonance and a pronounced bump, the Tomcat's sound profile is less defined but suggests a resonant quality. On the feel front, the Koala shines with its polished, stepped, and notably stiff characteristics, whereas the Tomcat lacks detailed information. Choosing between the two may depend on your sound and tactile preferences, and users might find it helpful to try different switches to determine what resonates with them best.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a moderate yet pronounced bump that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, the Koalas are the ideal choice for you. Their medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance without being overly tiring, making them well-suited for both typing and gaming sessions, especially if you prefer a more dynamic keystroke. On the other hand, if you value smoothness and a lighter touch, the Tomcat's medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams will offer a fluid typing experience, perfect for long hours of use without fatigue. The resonance and effortless keystrokes of the Tomcats cater to those who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you lean towards tactile feedback with the Koalas or smooth linear movement with the Tomcats, each switch provides a unique experience, allowing you to customize your mechanical keyboard to your liking.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Koala Tactile

$5.50

$4.21 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more