Durock Koala vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer unique typing experiences for enthusiasts to choose from. The Koala is best known for its stepped tactility that packs a punch without being too overwhelming, while also providing a bit of resonance without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink stands out for its super light 35g actuation force, making it perfect for delicate typists who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a playful poppy sound. Each switch has its own characteristics and advantages depending on 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
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sakura Pink, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards they are a part of. However, while the Koala utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, the Sakura Pink opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing clarity and resonance in sound production.
While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, the contrasting choices of housing materials for the bottom components of the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sakura Pink lead to different typing experiences. The Koala's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a softer sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing sound. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In understanding how the top and bottom housings play a role in the sound production of a mechanical keyboard switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are divided between the two components. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities can lead to a nuanced typing experience, as the combination of different housing materials allows for a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Koala and the Everglide Sakura Pink will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, influenced by the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
In terms of actuation force, the Durock Koala tactile switch has a lighter touch with None grams compared to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, which requires 35 grams. This means that the Koala switch will be easier to trigger a keystroke with. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Koala switch requires a heavier 67 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 45 grams. This indicates that while the Sakura Pink may feel lighter during typing, the Koala switch provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4mm. In terms of tactile feedback and smoothness, the Koala offers a tactile bump while the Sakura Pink provides a smoother linear feel. Despite their differences in feel, their travel distances remain consistent, giving users a similar overall typing experience in terms of 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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a muted and softer sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Koala providing a more resonant and pronounced sound compared to the Sakura Pink's quieter and more subtle approach.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Koala tactile switch is described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff. This means that it offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming, featuring a two-stage tactile feel that requires a higher amount of force to actuate. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with minimal force required for activation and a smooth travel experience. Both switches offer distinctive tactile and typing experiences, with the Koala emphasizing a more tactile and demanding typing feel compared to the Sakura Pink's smoother and more effortless keystrokes.
Overall, the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Koala provides a more tactile and pronounced typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Sakura Pink offers a smoother and softer typing sensation with a muted sound. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile and demanding typing experience or a smoother and quieter typing feel, both switches provide quality options that will enhance your overall keyboarding experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy keystroke with a pronounced bump and a bit of resonance, the Koala switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a playful poppy sound, the Sakura Pink switch might be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a linear and effortless one. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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