Durock Koala vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and TTC Yunhai offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Koala, known for its stepped tactility, strikes a balance between providing satisfying feedback and maintaining a low noise level, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced yet subtly resonant bump with each keystroke. Its polished finish and neutral characteristics cater to those who appreciate a slightly stiff feel while typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a remarkably light actuation force, resulting in a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ideal for those who seek a fast and seamless flow, this switch features a deep, rounded sound profile that adds a unique auditory element to the typing experience. While both switches cater to specific needs—each appealing to various types of users—there are nuanced differences in feel and sound that can significantly impact your overall typing satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the TTC Yunhai switches, the differences between their top housings stand out prominently. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This rigidity contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making polycarbonate a favored choice for users keen on highlighting RGB lighting effects thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer qualities. This design results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon absorbing more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. Consequently, the two switches embody distinctly different auditory experiences, driven largely by the contrasting properties of their top housing materials.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which yields a significant overlap in their sound profiles despite the differing top materials. The nylon used in both the Koala and Yunhai contributes to a duller and rounder sound, reflecting the characteristics associated with this classic switch material. As a result, when pressed, users will experience a similar depth and fullness in the sound and feel from the bottom housing regardless of the variations present in the top housing. This shared nylon component effectively harmonizes the deeper auditory traits between the two switches, providing an underlying uniformity amidst their differences.
Ultimately, the combination of the materials in the Koala and Yunhai switches results in a hybrid sound profile that is influenced uniquely by each component. While the Koala’s polycarbonate top delivers a brighter, more resonant sound, the Yunhai's nylon top offers a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The bottom housing of both switches, made from the same nylon material, ensures that they share similarities in sound depth and fullness, particularly during key presses and releases. In situations where a switch may pair differently in terms of top and bottom materials, the varying contributions of each housing will distinctly shape the overall tactile and auditory response felt by the user.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become quite apparent. The Koala switch has an unknown actuation force, but it exhibits a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Koala's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Overall, the Yunhai is the lighter option, while the Koala is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Koala features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Koala the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. Although both switches cater to different preferences, the shorter travel of the Yunhai may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Koala's deeper engagement may be favored by those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, if you desire a swift actuation, go for the Yunhai; however, if you appreciate a heartier depth, the Koala would be your best choice.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a warm and mellow tone without being excessively loud. This characteristic makes it suitable for a variety of environments, from quiet home offices to bustling workplaces. The resonance of the switch adds a subtle depth to each keystroke, enriching the overall typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is less explicitly described, but it is known for its unique deep sound profile. While the specific tonal qualities of the Yunhai aren't delineated, it can be expected to produce a more rounded sound characteristic. However, both switches will respond differently based on the keyboard platform and keycap materials used, so sound preference may ultimately vary from user to user.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Durock Koala stands out with its polished and accented design. The smooth finish is a product of quality manufacturing and possibly lubrication, resulting in a comfortable typing experience with minimal friction. The stepped tactility adds to the experience, providing a distinct bump in the middle of the keystroke without overwhelming the user. In contrast, the feel of the TTC Yunhai switch remains unspecified, leaving it unclear how it might compare in terms of smoothness or tactility. This lack of detail makes it challenging to assess its tactile characteristics relative to the Koala.
Overall, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Durock Koala offering a balanced sound and well-defined tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and texture in their typing. The TTC Yunhai's lighter actuation force and deep sound may appeal to those seeking a more effortless experience, despite the limited available information on its tactile qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback, and both could serve well in constructing a satisfying mechanical keyboard, albeit with distinct experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a bit of resistance in your keystrokes and prefer switches that provide a middle ground with noticeable tactility, the Koala is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force caters to those who appreciate a punchy, yet refined typing experience, ideal for both productivity and gaming scenarios. The low-pitched sound profile and polished feel add to its appeal, making it a versatile option for various environments. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a light, effortless typing experience and enjoy the sensation of a smooth, quiet keystroke, the Yunhai switch will serve you well. With a bottom-out force that feels almost weightless, it’s perfect for long typing sessions or for users who are looking for a gentle touch without the need for significant force. Overall, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactility and a bit of resistance (Koala) or prefer a lightweight, smoother experience (Yunhai).
Mentioned in this article
