Durock Koala vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Durock Koala switches stand out for their unique stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump that delivers satisfying feedback without being overly aggressive. With a polished feel and a slightly resonant sound profile, they strike a balance between a solid keystroke and comfort, making them ideal for users who want a tactile experience that doesn’t distract. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddier sound that adds character to the typing experience. Their pronounced tactility delivers a sharp, yet not overpowering sensation, making them suitable for those who appreciate a tactile switch with a bit of bassy resonance. Both switches blend tactile feedback with a pleasant auditory experience, but they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are both constructed using materials that provide distinct auditory characteristics, yet they share a significant commonality in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by its sharpness and clarity. Due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches are able to produce a crisper sound when keys are released. This similarity ensures that users can expect a bright and resonant auditory experience when engaging with either switch, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visibility and effect of such lighting.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Koala features a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and more rounded sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and contribute to a lower-pitched auditory experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, resulting in an identical effect regarding the sound profile. Thus, while both the Koala and Viola Tricolor switches employ nylon for their bottoms, they will similarly provide a fuller auditory experience upon keypress, enhancing the overall satisfaction for typists who prefer a softer, more muted sound.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in both switches defines their individual sound characteristics while offering particular advantages for users. With the polycarbonate top housing leading to a brighter sound upon key release and the nylon bottom housing providing a thicker, rounder sound on bottom-out, the Durock Koala and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches harmoniously complement each other. This synergy allows users to enjoy a well-rounded auditory profile that balances both crispness and depth, regardless of which switch they choose. Thus, despite some material differences, the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon results in similarly compelling sound experiences in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, both switches have an unknown actuation force and display distinct bottom out forces. The Koala features a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This difference means that while both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly lighter feel at the bottom, which might appeal to users who prefer less resistance during long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Koala's heavier bottom out force may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Given that both switches have unknown actuation forces, any typing experience based on this criterion would be speculative; however, users can expect a relatively similar tactile feedback sensation when engaging with either switch under their existing bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it reflects a notable distinction in feel and responsiveness. The Koala's travel distance falls in line with the more traditional preference for depth, making it suitable for users who appreciate a satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor, being closer to the modern trend of shorter travel distances, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Individual preferences will ultimately dictate which switch might feel more comfortable, as those who favor a greater sense of depth will likely prefer the Koala, while those who enjoy a more brisk typing experience might opt for the Viola Tricolor.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer appealing auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences while remaining anchored in similar qualities. The Koala switch features a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which combines a gentle resonance that avoids being obnoxiously loud with a bass-heavy richness. This generates a satisfying tone that fits well with a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is also low-pitched but is more explicitly described as having a basy sound profile. This deeper resonance contributes to its punchy auditory aspect, enhancing the typing experience with its robust and characterful tones. Ultimately, while both switches provide solid auditory feedback in the low frequency range, the Viola Tricolor's sound might be perceived as slightly more pronounced and colorful compared to the Koala's moderated tone.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch shines with its polished execution, offering a refined typing experience thanks to a smooth transition in key travel. The stepped tactility means that users can experience a clear bump without it being overwhelming; it strikes a pleasurable balance between tactile engagement and comfort. The Koala also boasts accented tactile feedback, ensuring that its presence is felt without veering into hypertactility. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor shares the accented feature, offering a distinctly satisfying bump that confirms engagement without being overly aggressive. However, it's important to note that the Viola Tricolor does not explicitly mention its polish or smoothness in feel, which may vary based on individual production quality. Nevertheless, both switches promise a well-rounded tactile experience, ensuring that typists can enjoy a meaningful interaction with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Durock Koala and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches appeal to users looking for a balanced blend of sound and feel. The Koalas produce a more neutral sound profile that is pleasant and versatile for various environments, while the Viola Tricolor delivers a deeper and more characterful auditory experience. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience characterized by pronounced but not overwhelming bumps, with the Koala emphasizing polish and smoothness, as opposed to the Violas, which lack explicit confirmation of these qualities. Ultimately, either choice promises to provide a gratifying typing experience that resonates well with a range of preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Koala and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you appreciate a medium-heavy keystroke that offers a refined yet noticeable tactile bump, the Koala is an excellent choice. Its low-pitched, neutral sound profile ensures a versatile experience, making it suitable for both home and office use, particularly if you seek a polished feel without being too loud or overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor might be your best bet. With its thuddy bassy sound and accentuated tactility, it adds an engaging character to your typing experience, albeit with a similar medium-heavy actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a smoother, less resonant experience with the Koala or a richer, more pronounced feedback with the Viola Tricolor, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your personal preferences.
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