Durock Koala vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Cherry MX Black offer two distinct typing experiences. The Durock Koala is a tactile switch known for its middle-of-the-road tactility, providing a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is a linear switch that boasts Cherry's Hyperglide tooling for a smooth typing experience with a deep sound profile. While the Koala is described as polished, accented, and stepped, the MX Black is characterized by its textured feel and stiffness. Deciding between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style, but diving deeper into their unique qualities will help you make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and Cherry MX Black switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. In terms of tactile feedback, both switches offer a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Koala's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the MX Black's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in top housing material results in a noticeable variation in sound when pressing and releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, the Durock Koala's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique translucency that is especially useful for switches designed for RGB lighting. This material choice not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch but also contributes to its distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing is a classic choice known for its durability and timeless appeal. While the nylon material may not offer the same level of transparency as polycarbonate, it provides a reliable and consistent typing experience with a focus on a deeper sound profile. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings offering a similar level of sound absorption and tactile feedback.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound profile of the switches, it becomes evident that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The Koala's use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound when releasing a key, while the MX Black's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches play a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon material absorbing more sound for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, both the Durock Koala and Cherry MX Black switches offer their own distinct advantages in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics, providing keyboard enthusiasts with different options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Durock Koala has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Cherry MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Koala. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Koala requires 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the Cherry MX Black requires 80 grams, making it heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Black may be the better option, as it has a lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Durock Koala's heavier bottom out force may provide a more satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect consistent performance and feel when using either switch. Whether typing on the Durock Koala or the Cherry MX Black, the travel distance remains constant, offering a familiar keypress feel for users who prefer switches with a 4mm travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that you can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without it being too loud or intrusive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a familiar deep sound while typing. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Koala having a slight edge in terms of neutrality.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The stepped design also adds a unique tactile feel to the keystrokes, along with a higher actuation force requirement. In comparison, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is textured and stiff, providing noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. Both switches offer a different feel, with the Koala focusing more on smoothness and tactility while the MX Black emphasizes stiffness and texture.
In conclusion, both the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Koala offers a more neutral and smooth typing experience with a stepped tactile design, while the MX Black provides a textured feel with a classic deep sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more polished and refined feel or a textured and stiff typing experience, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the subjective qualities of each switch will provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a polished, accented feel, the Durock Koala switch may be the perfect choice for you. The pronounced bump and smooth key travel offer a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a heavy bottom out force and a textured, stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. The classic smoothness and deep sound profile of the MX Black switches provide a different typing experience compared to the Koalas. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound.
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