Durock Koala vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Koala and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with two exceptional tactile options. The Koalas are a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile bump that provides just the right amount of feedback without being too overwhelming, while also offering a bit of resonance for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a lighter touch with a medium tactility and a neutral sound profile, making them a versatile option for users seeking a balanced typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
While both the Durock Koala and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, the Koala also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Violet Gold Pro sticks with polycarbonate for the bottom as well. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinctive typing experience. However, the Koala's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate bottom, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
The choice of housing materials in the Durock Koala and Dareu Violet Gold Pro ultimately affects the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. With a polycarbonate top housing in both switches, users can expect a similar sharp, higher-pitched sound when typing. However, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart, as the Koala's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate bottom. This shows how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall sound quality and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Durock Koala and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate for their top housings, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting setups. The Koala's nylon bottom housing adds a classic touch to its overall design, while the Violet Gold Pro maintains a consistent look with polycarbonate housing throughout. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In comparison, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. The actuation force for the Koala is unknown, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is also unspecified. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel might opt for the Koala. Both switches have their own appeal based on the weight preference of the user.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro. The difference may seem minimal, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Koala's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress, while the Violet Gold Pro's shorter travel distance could result in quicker response times and potentially faster typing speeds. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, and selecting one over the other will depend on whether you prefer a longer or shorter 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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, both the Durock Koala and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound level that should be suitable for various environments and preferences. The Koala, however, is noted to have a low-pitched tone, which may give it a slightly different auditory experience compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Koala is described as a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff switch. This combination of qualities suggests that the Koala offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent but not overwhelming amount of tactility. Additionally, the stepped feel of the Koala provides a unique typing sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro is noted for its stepped feel, offering a mild tactility with a two-stage keystroke experience. This indicates that while the Koala may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and require more force to actuate, the Violet Gold Pro offers a gentler tactility with smoother key travel.
Overall, both the Durock Koala and Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches seem to offer distinct yet balanced typing experiences. The Koala may cater more to users who prefer a noticeable tactile bump and a stiffer keystroke, while the Violet Gold Pro is suited for those seeking a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Keep in mind that individual results may vary based on factors such as typing speed and pressure, so experimenting with both switches may be the best way to determine which one suits your needs best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump in tactility and a slightly louder sound profile, the Koala may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more balanced typing experience and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for. Be sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your needs best.
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