Durock Koala vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options, as each provides a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, stands out for its stepped tactility, offering users a satisfying pronounced bump that enhances feedback without overwhelming the typing experience. This switch strikes a balance between being pleasantly punchy and comfortably resonant, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate touch sensitivity without excessive noise. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ presents a linear alternative, crafted entirely from POM material, which delivers a smooth and buttery keystroke paired with a deep, satisfying “thock” sound. This switch caters to typists who prefer a fluid typing experience free from tactile interruptions. While the Koala excels in providing a tactile feel for a more engaged typing experience, the WS POM+ focuses on delivering a seamless and quieter operation for those who enjoy a smooth ride. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ distinguish themselves primarily through the materials used in their top housings. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's relative stiffness contributes to a clearer resonance, making it particularly effective for enhancing the clarity of RGB lighting when used in clear housing designs. In contrast, the WS POM+ uses a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that lends a deeper and more muted sound profile. While POM is still a high-quality plastic, it absorbs sound differently, creating a distinct auditory experience that is less bright but potentially more pleasing to some users. The use of different materials in the top housings of these switches creates varied auditory outcomes, appealing to different preferences in sound quality.
When examining the bottom housing, however, both switches incorporate housing materials that contribute to a more rounded and fuller sound profile. The Koala utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, recognized as a classic material in switch construction. Nylon's softer plastic composition helps absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ features a POM bottom housing, which also delivers a rich yet slightly muted sound profile. Both materials provide a similar acoustic depth, albeit through different construction technologies. This similarity in bottom housing materials allows for comparable auditory outcomes despite the contrasting top housing choices.
Overall, the interplay between the different housing materials in both the Koala and WS POM+ significantly influences the overall typing experience and sound quality. While the top housings differ—leveraging polycarbonate for brightness in the Koala and POM for a more muted sound in the WS POM+—the bottom housings share characteristics that promote a deeper auditory experience. As a result, although these switches provide contrasting audioscapes when pressing down a key or releasing it, they nevertheless maintain resonance well across their respective sound profiles. This synergy ensures both switches can cater to diverse user preferences while still achieving an engaging tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala switch has an actuation force that is currently unknown but features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. In contrast, the WS POM+ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the WS POM+ offers a softer and more forgiving feel during typing, making it suitable for longer sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Koala's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. In summary, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown, it is clear that the WS POM+ is lighter with a more delicate touch, ideal for users who prioritize comfort and minimal strain during extended usage. Meanwhile, the Koala switch caters to those who favor a firmer keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we find that the Koala measures 4 mm while the WS POM+ has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that those who appreciate a more pronounced, hearty feel when typing would likely prefer the Koala, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper typing experience. Conversely, gamers or users who favor quicker response times may lean towards the WS POM+, as the shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Koala offering a more substantial depth and the WS POM+ delivering a snappier feel.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 provides a low-pitched resonance that offers a mellow tone without being overly loud, making it quite suitable for a variety of environments, from workspaces to home setups. Its neutral sound profile means that while it has a distinct acoustic character, it won’t overwhelm the listener, appealing to both beginners and more experienced typists alike. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is known for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound that many enthusiasts find highly appealing. The richness and quality of its sound add a considerable level of satisfaction while typing; however, without the specific descriptors for sound, it is difficult to draw direct comparisons.
In terms of feel, the Koala switch excels with its polished finish, resulting in a smooth typing experience due to reduced friction. The accentuated tactility provides medium feedback that is pleasantly noticeable but not distracting, thanks to its stepped design that includes a mild pre-travel and post-travel sensation. Additionally, its stiffness requires a higher actuation force, giving a solid and deliberate tactile sensation, which may appeal to those who prefer more resistance while typing. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the WS POM+ are unspecified, leading to uncertainty regarding its smoothness or tactile feedback; therefore, a user might not have a clear expectation on how it will compare.
In summary, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. The Durock Koala provides a balanced combination of sound and a tactile feel that many find enjoyable, perfect for those seeking moderate feedback and audible engagement. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ boasts an enticing sound signature that a lot of typing enthusiasts might appreciate; however, without specific details on its tactile characteristics, it leaves room for exploration. Adopting either of these switches will yield a satisfying typing experience, aligned with their distinct sound and feel profiles, allowing users to find their preferred typing sensation in mechanical keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a more physically engaging typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump, the Koala would be ideal; its 67-gram bottom-out force and stepped tactility offer a satisfying resistance and feedback, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. The Koalas deliver a low-pitched sound profile that feels refined, with a polished finish ensuring a smooth keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a whisper-quiet, linear feel with a lighter touch, the WS POM+ should be your pick. Its 55-gram bottom-out force allows for faster, more effortless keystrokes, complemented by a deep, satisfying “thock” sound signature that enhances your typing experience without the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch. Thus, consider your priorities: go for the Koalas if you want that tactile punch and a bit of resonance, or choose the WS POM+ for an ultra-smooth, linear ride that emphasizes speed and sound depth.
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