Durock Koala vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both popular choices when it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches. The Koala offers a tactile experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, making it a perfect middle ground for those who prefer a noticeable tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. It is also known for its polished, low-pitched, accented, neutral, stepped, and stiff characteristics. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches provide a medium-light actuation force, striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. They offer a familiar auditory experience with a nylon housing and POM stem combination for enthusiasts to cherish. When choosing between these switches, consider the level of tactility and auditory experience you prefer. 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
N/A
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, it's evident that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. This choice of material provides both switches with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a unique typing experience for users of both switches. While the nylon bottom housing may be similar between the two switches, the differences lie in their top housings.
While the Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, the WS Brown opts for a nylon top housing instead. The use of polycarbonate in the Koala's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer properties which absorb more sound than harder plastics. This contrast in top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, catering to different preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Brown will come down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Koala featuring a stiffer polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound, while the WS Brown utilizes a softer nylon top housing for a deeper sound. Despite their differences, users can expect a quality typing experience from both switches, with the nylon bottom housing ensuring a consistent depth and fullness to the sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but the Koala is on the heavier side and the WS Brown is lighter. Those who prefer a heavier typing experience may opt for the Koala, while those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the WS Brown. Consideration of weight is essential, as a lighter switch may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier switch may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances but cater to different preferences. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a satisfying bass-heavy tone without being too loud. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's sound profile is not specified, but is likely to offer a harmonious and pleasant auditory experience. Both switches can provide a pleasing typing sound, depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff typing experience. This means that the switch has a smooth finish, provides a medium level of tactile feedback without being too intense, features a two-stage tactile feel, and requires a higher actuation force compared to other switches. The Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch's feel is not specified, but given its medium-light actuation force, it likely offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Both switches are designed to offer a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, both the Durock Koala and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Koala is best suited for those who enjoy a pronounced bump and a lower-pitched sound, while the WS Brown offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Whether you prefer a more tactile and punchy typing experience or a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a harmonious balance between comfort and responsiveness, along with a delightful auditory experience, the WS Brown switches may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a punchier typing feel with the Koala or a more comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience with the WS Brown.
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