Durock Koala vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Durock Koala, known for its stepped tactility, provides a satisfying bump during keystrokes without overwhelming the user. Its polished surface and low-pitched resonant sound create a balanced typing experience that appeals to both casual and avid typists who enjoy a tactile response without excessive noise. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) takes a different approach, offering a linear switch that excels in smoothness and responsiveness. With its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem contributing to a crisp, higher-pitched sound, this switch is ideal for users who prioritize quick key presses and a fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala's tactile feedback and the HMX Xinhai's linear precision comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy) switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigid structure that allows for vibrational clarity and resonance, making it ideal for applications where crisp sound is desired. Aesthetically, this material's translucence also lends itself well to RGB lighting effects, allowing for vibrant illumination patterns. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) adopts a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a rounder auditory experience compared to the Koala’s crisper notes.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Koala and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon. Here, nylon exhibits its classic characteristics, imparting a mellow and warm tone to the overall sound profile. Since the bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel during a key press, this similarity ensures that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users will experience a consistent, rich depth in sound from both models. The nylon bottoms will absorb excess vibrations and contribute to the overall tactile feedback of the switches, enhancing the typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ markedly in their top housing materials, both switches converge in the use of nylon for their bottoms, setting a foundation for sound consistency. The polycarbonate top of the Koala creates an expressive sound when releasing keys, while the nylon top of the Xinhai fosters a more muted tone, producing a contrasting auditory experience unique to each model. Ultimately, the combination of these materials highlights the interplay between sound clarity and depth, ensuring that both switches provide their own unique tactile and auditory experiences while grounding their characteristics in the commonality of nylon in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences and similarities emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Koala lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it in the medium range. This indicates that the Xinhai switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Koala, assuming its actuation force lies significantly above zero. Consequently, the Koala will provide a firmer experience, likely appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the lighter Xinhai is better suited for those who require less force to actuate keys for longer typing sessions. Thus, the Koala's higher bottom out force may lead to a different tactile experience, making it a better fit for heavy-handed typists, while the slightly lower bottom out force of the Xinhai aligns with those seeking a softer landing. Overall, users' preferences will dictate which switch is more suitable, depending on their desired actuation and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Koala provides a more substantial feel when pressed, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking faster response times, as the reduced distance can lead to quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you value a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Koala would be the better choice; conversely, if you lean towards speed and agility, the Xinhai may better suit your needs.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, the Koala is characterized by its low-pitched resonance that leans towards a mellow, bass-heavy tone, while still maintaining a neutral acoustic quality. This makes it versatile enough for various environments, as it is neither too loud nor too quiet. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch’s sound characteristics are not specifically detailed, but since it features a PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics and a POM stem, it could be expected to provide a different auditory experience, possibly with a cleaner or crisper sound. Overall, while the Koala’s sound is defined, the Xinhai’s acoustic profile remains less clear and may require further exploration.
In terms of feel, the Koala tactile switch offers a polished experience that allows for smooth key travel, making each keystroke feel refined. Its stepped tactility ensures a moderate bump rather than an overwhelming sensation, appealing to users who appreciate a balanced tactile response. The descriptions also mention that these switches feel stiff, requiring more force to actuate, which may provide a satisfying resistance for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) lacks specific tactile attributes in the provided information, leaving an open question regarding its feel. This emphasizes that the Koala caters well to those who enjoy a tactile switch with distinct characteristics, while the Xinhai requires more investigation to fully gauge its tactile qualities.
In conclusion, both the Durock Koala and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches bring unique aspects to the table. The Koala stands out for its well-defined sound and tactile properties, offering a balanced and refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Xinhai’s sound profile remains unknown, and its feel lacks detailed description, leaving potential users curious. Those looking for a switch with a clear auditory and tactile identity may lean towards the Koala, while the Xinhai may appeal to those who favor a heavier linear switch, albeit with less certainty about its characteristics. Ultimately, personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks will guide the best choice between these two switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming needs. If you enjoy a tactile response that provides a balance between satisfying feedback and smooth key travel, the Koalas are an excellent option. They offer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and a distinct yet mild bump, making them ideal for users who want to feel their keystrokes without overwhelming force. Their low-pitched sound profile is suitable for both work and leisure environments, allowing you to type or game with a pleasant, refined experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and primarily linear action with less tactile feedback, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a lighter 62.5 grams bottom-out force, they are perfect for rapid keystrokes and gaming, featuring softer acoustics thanks to the PA12 top housing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing rhythm, sound preferences, and whether you lean more towards tactile feedback or linear smoothness. By taking into consideration how you plan to use your keyboard, you can confidently select the switch that best aligns with your unique style.
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