Durock Koala vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, and the HMX Xinhai, a linear switch. The Koalas offer a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that is not overpowering, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of resistance during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Xinhai switches provide a smooth linear feel with a unique combination of softer acoustics and crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Koalas are categorized as polished, low-pitched, and stiff, the Xinhai switches are known for being bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Ultimately, both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Koala and Xinhai differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Koala featuring nylon and the Xinhai utilizing polycarbonate for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Koala and Xinhai share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Koala's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a cleaner and more resonant sound. This divergence in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Additionally, the split between top and bottom housing materials means that pressing down on the switch will elicit qualities of the bottom housing, while releasing the key will showcase the impact of the top housing on the sound produced.
Overall, both the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct sound profiles based on their choice of housing materials. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the Koala's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, in contrast to the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing, which provides a cleaner and more resonant sound. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it's evident that the Koala has a heavier bottom out force at 67 grams, compared to the Xinhai's lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Xinhai is 37 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Xinhai is lighter overall, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Koala offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the lighter Xinhai and heavier Koala switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Koala has the longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience. The Koala's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more pronounced keypress feel compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm travel distance, which may feel slightly shallower. However, both switches fall within a relatively standard range of travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy tone when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard, keycaps, and environment.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming tactility. It combines a sleek finish with a noticeable bump that is neither too subtle nor too intense. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai switch is known for its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback with a smooth and buttery typing experience thanks to factory lubrication or specific materials used in its construction. These characteristics give users a lively and elastic sensation when typing.
Overall, the Durock Koala and HMX Xinhai switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Koala provides a low-pitched and moderately tactile typing experience with a bit of resonance, the Xinhai offers a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer tactile feedback or a smoother linear feel. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on your preferred keyboard setup will give you a better understanding of how they perform in real-world usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a polished, accented, and stepped feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound, the Koala may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a bouncy, creamy feel with a clacky sound, the Xinhai could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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