TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Koala are two popular options to compare and contrast. The Bluish White switch is known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a middle ground for those who prefer a tactile bump without being too overwhelming, characterized by a stepped tactility and a bit of resonance, categorized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Stiff'. While the Bluish White switch may appeal to those seeking a smoother typing experience, the Koala switch could be ideal for users looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
While both the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience to the Bluish White when typing on the switches. This commonality in bottom housing material may result in a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Koala benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate in their top housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. The sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile created by polycarbonate top housings is a shared characteristic between the two switches. This similarity in top housing material ensures that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a consistent sound profile when typing.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housing materials in a switch determines the impact on the sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key. While the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Koala may differ in their bottom housing materials, the similarities in their top housing materials ensure that users can achieve comparable sound profiles when typing on either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific typing experience desired.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Koala tactile switch, where the actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams, while the Koala needs 67 grams, making it heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Bluish White switch may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience and may be suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Koala switch could provide a more substantial and satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a firmer push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is clear that the Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Koala switch allows for a deeper key press compared to the Bluish White. The difference in travel distance between the two switches showcases the range of options available to keyboard enthusiasts. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Koala. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.18.
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.
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 Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched and snappy typing experience, while the Koala switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile but with added neutral characteristics, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The sound of both switches may be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycap choices, but overall, you can expect a satisfying and not overly loud typing sound from either switch.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Bluish White switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Koala switch also provides a polished feel, along with accented, stepped, and stiff qualities. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and refined typing feel, differing mainly in the specific tactile characteristics they offer. Whether you prefer a more subtle and polished typing sensation with the Bluish White or a slightly more tactile and stiff feel with the Koala, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
In conclusion, while the sound profiles and tactile feels of the TTC Bluish White and Durock Koala switches have their unique characteristics, both switches aim to provide a quality typing experience. Whether you opt for the Bluish White for its snappy sound and buttery feel or choose the Koala for its pronounced bump and accented feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that suits your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that both options offer high-quality mechanical keyboard experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and buttery feel with a poppy sound profile, the Bluish White switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a stepped tactility and polished finish, the Koala switches could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, desired sound profile, and tactile feedback preferences. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one suits your needs best. Happy typing!
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