Durock Koala vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Koala is celebrated for its tactile design that offers a perfect balance between feedback and comfort, featuring a stepped tactility that delivers a pronounced bump without overwhelming the user. With a polished finish and low-pitched resonance, it caters to those who enjoy a satisfying keystroke without excessive noise. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience with an extended travel distance of 3.85mm. This design results in a quieter operation, making it ideal for quieter environments while still holding onto that signature clacky feel associated with HMX switches. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Koala is perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback, while the Twilight appeals to those who prioritize a smooth and silent 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the HMX Twilight houses employ distinct materials for their top sections, which affects their overall sound profile and aesthetic functionality when integrated with RGB lighting. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This crispness is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which allows for a clearer and more resonant audio experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being softer, absorbs more sound and can produce a duller and rounder acoustics, creating a different typing sensation. Thus, while the Koala excels in delivering bright sounds ideal for RGB illumination, the Twilight offers a mellow and muted auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Koala and the Twilight utilize nylon, indicating a shared aspect in their sound profiles at this level. The presence of nylon in the Koala's bottom housing similarly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The consistency in the material means that both switches will deliver a comparable auditory experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and the overall tactile feedback when the switch is engaged. The softer quality of this nylon ensures that the sound produced when fully pressed down is more rounded, enhancing the typing experience similarly in both switches.
The combination of these differing top housing materials across the two switches highlights an interesting interplay of characteristics. Users will notice distinct differences when pressing down the keys versus releasing them, as the bottom housing primarily influences the impact of the bottoming out, while the top housing significantly affects the release sound. In the case of the Koala, its polycarbonate top enhances the clarity during release, creating a unique auditory experience when compared to the deep resonance of the nylon top in the Twilight. Therefore, while both switches utilize nylon for the bottom, the overall sound profile and feedback will vary depending on the material employed for the top housing, showcasing how the materials used in each part significantly contribute to the switch's unique behaviors.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Koala would be better suited for users who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, while the Twilight caters to those who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Thus, while the Koala is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, the Twilight is recognized for its lighter feel, making it a more comfortable choice for extended uses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Koala features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This difference indicates that the Koala offers a more traditional depth, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Twilight's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, though it might feel too abrupt for users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches rests on personal preference: those leaning towards a more substantial feedback should opt for the Koala, while those prioritizing rapid actuation may find the Twilight to be the better fit.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 presents a unique auditory experience characterized by a low-pitched and neutral tone. This means that while the Koala produces a bass-heavy, mellow sound signature, it is not overly loud, making it suitable for varied environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is designed for quieter operation due to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which may result in a softer, more subdued sound profile. However, it also retains the signature clacky characteristics commonly associated with HMX switches. Overall, the Koala may offer a richer sound experience, while the Twilight focuses on quieter operation without sacrificing performance.
In terms of feel, the Koala tactile switch excels with its polished, accented, and stepped characteristics. This combination results in a smooth and refined typing experience, enabling reduced friction and easy key travel. The prominent yet gentle tactility provides a satisfying feedback without being overstimulating, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch is not elaborated upon, so its tactile qualities remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out for its well-balanced auditory and tactile feedback, positioning it as a versatile choice for those seeking a refined typing experience with a bit of character. The HMX Twilight linear switch, with its quieter sound profile and extended travel distance, may appeal to those who prioritize a smooth keystroke while minimizing noise. Depending on individual preferences, either switch may fulfill similar roles, but they cater to different tactile and auditory experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a keystroke that offers both a tactile response and a satisfying punch, the Koala is a fantastic option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams provides a solid feel, while its stepped tactility gives you a noticeable bump without overwhelming your fingers. This makes it ideal for both typists and gamers who enjoy feedback but don't want to sacrifice comfort over long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, quieter experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch with its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable. This switch offers a longer travel distance of 3.85mm, ensuring a fluid keystroke that's perfect for extended typing or gaming where you might want to avoid auditory distractions. In summary, opt for the Koala if you seek textured engagement and a bit of a challenge, while the Twilight is your go-to for a serene, swift, and effortless typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
