Durock Koala vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala stands out as a tactile option with a unique stepped tactility that provides a punch without being overpowering. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smooth and creamy linear experience that stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Koala is categorized as polished, low-pitched, and has a neutral accent, the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as buttery, creamy, and high-pitched. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sensation and sound. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches prioritize sound quality, with the Koala's polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend providing a distinct clacky sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Koala allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to its housing material.
On the other hand, the housing of the bottom parts of the switches differ between the two. The Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is designed for smoothness and durability, with qualities that make it ideal for creating clacky and long-lasting switches. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, the top housing's material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Koala and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches each bring unique qualities to their sound profiles. The choice between a polycarbonate or proprietary blend top housing, as well as a nylon or POK bottom housing, will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer a crisper, sharper sound with the Koala's polycarbonate housing or a clacky and smooth sound with the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend, both switches offer high-quality performance based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinctly different experiences. The Durock Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel when typing, whereas the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 48 grams. While the actuation force of the Koala is not specified, the Vanilla Ice Cream requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Durock Koala for its heavier bottom out force, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches allowing for longer typing periods and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Koala switch the longer of the two. While both switches offer a comfortable amount of travel distance for typing and gaming, the Koala switch may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Gamers who prioritize speed may find the shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch preferable, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Koala switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp sound that adds a unique auditory experience to typing. Depending on your preference for sound, the Koala offers a more subdued tone, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a more distinctive and resonant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is praised for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and refined finish, a medium tactile response that is not overwhelming, a two-stage keystroke feel, and a higher actuation force requirement. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The creamy feel of the switch is achieved through lubrication or specific materials, offering a silky typing experience that is uniform and satisfying.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a balanced and moderately tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a smooth and buttery feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound signature. Depending on your preference for typing feedback and sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more subdued and polished typing experience or a more distinctive and creamy typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump but not overly loud sound, the Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and creamy feel, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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