Durock Koala vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and TTC Venus offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala is well-regarded for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump without being overly intrusive. It is described as polished, low-pitched, and stiff, making it suitable for those who want a pronounced tactile response without excessive noise. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its smooth linear action and "Q-texture" that adds a distinct matte sensation to each key press. It is characterized as buttery, frictionless, and thocky, appealing to individuals who prioritize a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the TTC Venus, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles due to the materials used. The Koala's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Venus's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Koala offering a crisper sound and the Venus providing a more soothing tone. However, both materials are known for their quality and durability, ensuring a long-lasting performance.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic and ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and clearer sound, similar to its top housing material. While the Koala emphasizes a rounder sound due to the nylon material, the Venus maintains a consistent sharpness throughout the switch. Despite these differences, both switches are praised for their sound quality and tactile feedback, catering to the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the TTC Venus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Koala or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Venus, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ in their sound characteristics, both switches are designed to provide users with a premium typing experience that is both durable and enjoyable.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Venus with 52 grams. However, the actuation force of the Venus is lighter at 45 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches is significant, with the Koala being on the medium-heavy side and the Venus falling into the medium-light category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Venus may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Koala. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of both switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged use and heavier switches providing a more solid typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Koala being on the longer side and the Venus being slightly shorter. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Venus switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Koala switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 the TTC Venus switches are described as low-pitched, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is pleasing to the ear. The Koala is also noted for its neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Venus switch adds a muted quality to its sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. With a subdued and thocky undertone, each keystroke on the Venus switch is wrapped in a subdued auditory embrace. Ultimately, whether you prefer a more neutral sound with a hint of resonance like the Koala or a more textured and subdued sound like the Venus, both switches offer quality sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch provides a polished, accented, and stepped tactile experience. The polished finish results in smooth key travel, while the accented tactility offers a prominent yet balanced bump sensation. Additionally, the stepped design gives a two-stage feel to the keystroke, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch boasts a buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel. The buttery smoothness of the Venus switch ensures a uniform and effortless typing sensation, while the gummy attribute adds a unique tactile experience akin to bottoming-out on a trampoline. With a frictionless design, the Venus switch minimizes resistance, offering a fluid and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the balanced tactility of the Koala or the smooth and frictionless feel of the Venus, both switches provide distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala and TTC Venus switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala excels in providing a balanced tactile bump with a neutral and resonant sound profile, the Venus stands out with its buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel paired with a muted and thocky sound signature. Depending on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience, both switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Koala for its middle-ground tactility or the Venus for its innovative design, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Koala tactile switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke and enjoy a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, then the Koala may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, nearly frictionless glide with a light actuation force and a unique "matte" sensation, along with a low-pitched, muted sound signature, then the Venus switch might better suit your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
