Durock Koala vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, a linear switch. The Koalas are perfect for those who enjoy a tactile bump, providing just the right amount of feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a more substantial feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits to consider when selecting the right switch for your needs. 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
67g
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
The Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Red both use nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. However, the Koala uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in housing materials gives each switch a unique sound experience, with the Koala producing a more resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, while the WS Red has a rounder and duller sound thanks to the softer nylon material.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Koala's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting if desired. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red's nylon top housing does not offer the same transparency. While both housing materials have their own benefits in terms of sound quality, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of appearance and whether RGB lighting is a priority for the user.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Wuque Studio WS Red ultimately comes down to the sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Koala providing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Red offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top housing. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have similar bottom out forces of 67 grams, making them both medium to heavy switches. However, the actuation force of the Koala is not specified, while the WS Red also has a None grams actuation force. This means that the Koala's actuation force could potentially be lighter or heavier than the WS Red. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we see that the Koala has a travel distance of 4mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. This means that the WS Red has a slightly shorter key press distance compared to the Koala. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Koala falls into the more traditional range, while the 3.8mm travel distance of the WS Red is on the shallower end. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the WS Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Koala with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to varying preferences in typing and gaming.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched tone with a mellow and bass-heavy sound quality, providing a moderate actuation force suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch's sound profile characteristics are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Koala's sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala switch is known for its polished finish, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also provides a distinctive level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet pronounced, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. In contrast, details about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch are not provided, preventing a direct comparison to the Koala's feel qualities.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Koala tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactile feedback and low-pitched sound profile, making it a versatile option for users seeking a satisfying keystroke experience without excessive noise. The Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a heavier actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke weight. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual typing preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced bump without it spanning the entire keystroke, then the Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a heavier actuation force that provides a satisfying and substantial typing feel, the WS Red might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
