Durock Koala vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Koala and the KTT Matcha, both tactile switches. The Durock Koala offers a perfect balance for those who enjoy a noticeable bump in their keystrokes without it being too overwhelming. With its stepped tactility and pronounced bump that doesn't cover the entire keystroke, users can expect a bit of resonance without excessive noise. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. While the Koala is described as polished, low-pitched, and stiff, the Matcha is characterized by its clacky and feathery feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you make the best decision for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the KTT Matcha feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. However, the Koala separates itself with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, their differences emerge when considering the bottom housings. The Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, contrasting with the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing that maintains a sharper and crisper sound. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the distinct qualities each housing material brings to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Durock Koala and KTT Matcha showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch. While both feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Koala stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. This highlights how the top and bottom housings of a switch can contribute different qualities to the typing experience, offering users the opportunity to customize their setup based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Matcha switch's 45 grams, making the Koala switch the heavier of the two. However, the Matcha switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Koala's actuation force is unspecified. This indicates that the Matcha switch is also lighter in terms of actuation force. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Koala switch due to its heavier bottom out force, while individuals who enjoy a lighter typing feel might opt for the Matcha switch with its lower actuation force. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to varying preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them the same in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. This allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches, ensuring that the user will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which one is chosen.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a distinct and percussive sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable but not overwhelming tactility. The KTT Matcha, on the other hand, is stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, providing a responsive and light typing feel with a prominent amount of tactility. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with different levels of tactility and responsiveness, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Durock Koala and KTT Matcha switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a range of options to suit their preferences. While the Koala leans towards a more pronounced bump and lower-pitched sound, the Matcha offers a snappy feel and a distinctive clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and sound profile, but either option will deliver a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump but not overly loud sound, the Durock Koala may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha could be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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