Durock Koala vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the KTT Wine Red offer distinct characteristics for different preferences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch known for its stepped tactility, providing a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch loved for its pillowy light feel and deep, rich sound profile. While the Koala falls under categories such as 'Polished', 'Accented', and 'Stepped', the Wine Red is described as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their unique appeal and advantages, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Koala stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound.
While the top housings of both switches offer similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate material, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of these different materials in each switch results in a split of qualities between the top and bottom of the keys when pressed, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the KTT Wine Red housing materials depends on the desired typing experience. The Koala with its nylon bottom housing may be preferred for those looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Wine Red with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings would be a better fit for those seeking a sharper and crisper sound. Each material brings its unique qualities to the switches, ultimately affecting the overall typing feel and sound output.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Wine Red's 55 grams. The actuation force of the Wine Red is 44 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is not specified, making the Wine Red the lighter option in terms of actuation force. This means that the Wine Red switch may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Koala switch, with its heavier bottom out force, would provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push sensation. Despite the differences in force required, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The tactile switch provides a bump when pressed, offering feedback to the user, while the linear switch provides a smoother keypress without tactile feedback. Both switches have the same travel distance, making them equal in this aspect. Users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance when using either switch.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red provides a bassy and low-pitched sound that is deep and rich, creating a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. Both switches offer a different sound profile, with the Koala being more neutral and the Wine Red emphasizing a deeper bass tone.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is known for its polished, accented, stepped, and stiff qualities, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of tactility. In comparison, information regarding the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not provided. However, based on the description of the Koala's feel, it can be inferred that the Wine Red may offer a smooth and tactile typing experience due to its pillowy light feel.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Koala provides a neutral sound profile with a polished and accented feel, featuring a stepped tactility that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch delivers a bassier sound with a pillowy light feel that may offer a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a stepped tactility that provides a pronounced bump without being too overwhelming, the Durock Koala switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force that offers a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switches would suit your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch will come down to your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose the switch that feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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