Durock Koala vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Violet are two popular options to consider. The Koala is known for its perfect middle ground when it comes to tactile switches, providing a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming. With a polished, low-pitched feel, the Koala offers a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of resonance without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet stands out for its gentle tactility and smooth actuation, making it a great choice for those looking for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches offer a stepped design, but the Koala is stiffer compared to the neutral feel of the Violet. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Jerrzi Violet both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Both switches offer a similar acoustic experience in terms of sound profile and clarity thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Koala and Violet differ in their bottom housing material. The Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with this material. Similarly, the Violet also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a consistent typing experience with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while the Durock Koala and Jerrzi Violet share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings offer distinct differences in sound profile and feel. The split between the qualities of each housing material provides a unique typing experience for users of both switches, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on sound clarity and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that they have significant differences. The Koala has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is light and requires minimal force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier. The Koala also has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Violet is unknown, so the typing experience it offers in terms of force required to fully press down is uncertain. In terms of weight, the Koala is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Violet, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Violet with its lighter actuation force may be the more ideal choice. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches with a 4 mm travel distance. The Koala offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Violet. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Violet for its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial press may opt for the Koala. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar level of key travel, allowing users to experience a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Violet switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The Koala switches are known for their low-pitched sound, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Violets maintain a similar neutral sound signature. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switches are described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This combination results in a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent yet manageable level of tactility. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are primarily known for their stepped feel, providing a mild tactility with a two-stage keystroke sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with enough tactile feedback to make each keystroke satisfying.
Overall, the Durock Koala switches cater to those seeking a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance in its sound profile without being overly loud. They provide a balanced typing experience with a satisfying amount of feedback for those who prefer a middle-ground tactile feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a smoother and gentler tactility, making them a great choice for users who enjoy a more subtle tactile bump. Ultimately, both switches excel in their respective qualities, providing users with a pleasant typing experience tailored to their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that provides a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without being too loud, the Durock Koala would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile switch with a smooth actuation and a balanced sound profile, the Jerrzi Violet would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a punchier typing experience with the Koala or a smoother and more subtle tactility with the Violet. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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