Huano Acacia vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Durock Mamba each offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, which provides an effortless keystroke, complemented by generous factory lubrication that minimizes friction and stem wobble for an enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. In contrast, the Durock Mamba, which pays tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, boasts a unique gliding typing sensation paired with a rich and creamy auditory feedback that enhances the overall experience—perfect for those who appreciate sound as much as tactile feedback. While the Acacia excels in delivering a smooth and consistent feel, the Mamba adds a layer of auditory satisfaction that can elevate your typing game. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Durock Mamba Linear

$3.39 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Durock Mamba, notable differences emerge in both the top and bottom housings that significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-regarded for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound, making it especially suitable for an RGB setup due to its translucency. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, a softer and more unique material that contributes to a pleasant sound profile that is brighter but not sharply intrusive. While both materials serve to enhance clarity, the Acacia's polycarbonate is geared towards delivering a crisper note, while the Mamba's blend emphasizes a smoother sound.

The bottom housings of both switches also present an intriguing contrast. The Acacia employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its deeper, fuller sound profile; it absorbs more sound due to its softer characteristics, creating a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Mamba uses a POM bottom housing that produces a more muted but appealingly deep sound. Here, the differences signify that while both switches may have high-quality components, the Acacia's nylon material is more adept at delivering a resonant bottom-out experience, whereas the Mamba’s POM material offers a unique variance that streamlines its deeper sound.

In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and the Durock Mamba offer superior sound profiles, they achieve differing auditory nuances through their distinct housing materials. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia emphasizes a sharper sound, while the Mamba's polymer nylon blend provides a brighter, yet less sharp experience. Meanwhile, the nylon and POM materials serve to create fuller and muted sounds respectively at the bottom. Thus, even though these switches might cater to varying acoustic preferences, they both can be adjusted for similar results depending on which sound characteristics one prioritizes when selecting either switch type.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it medium-light, while the Mamba's actuation force is unspecified; however, it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is classified as medium. In terms of bottom out force, the Acacia reaches 55 grams, whereas the Mamba is slightly heavier at 60 grams. This means that the Acacia is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, which is beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Durock Mamba, being heavier, may provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, if both switches had the same actuation force, users could expect a similar typing experience, but given the Mamba's unknown actuation force, the comparison remains inconclusive in that area.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that they have the same movement from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and response when using either switch, resulting in similar typing experiences. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those looking for consistent keystroke feedback will find that they yield identical results in terms of depth of travel. Thus, there are no differences to note regarding travel distance between the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a quality that can be considered subdued but pleasant, providing a balanced auditory experience that won't disturb a quiet environment, making it suitable for both home and office use. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a more compelling sound profile characterized as thocky, producing a satisfying deep "thud" on keypresses that many enthusiasts admire. This gives the Mamba a richer auditory experience that feels luxurious and substantial, appealing to those who appreciate the auditory feedback from their switches.

In terms of feel, the Acacia switch distinguishes itself with a medium-light weight, coupled with minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication, leading to an overall smooth typing experience. This results in a responsive action that's comfortable for long typing sessions. The Mamba switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished feel, characterized by a gentle typing experience that’s approachable yet refined. The smooth key travel, thanks to its polished finish, reduces friction and enhances the enjoyment of every keystroke, making it a pleasure to type on.

Combining the available qualities of the Huano Acacia and Durock Mamba linear switches, both options cater to different preferences while still delivering enjoyable typing experiences. The Acacia excels in providing a muted sound and smooth operation straight from the box, making it ideal for users seeking versatility without much tinkering. Meanwhile, the Mamba captures attention with its rich auditory profile and refined feel, appealing to those who prioritize sound and a gliding typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile experiences, but both can deliver satisfying performance in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a medium-light actuation force that promotes a comfortable typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble make it suitable for users who prioritize a smooth and efficient typing feel. Furthermore, if you appreciate a slightly quieter switch that still delivers satisfying feedback, the Acacia might be your switch of choice. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a medium actuation force that provides a balanced and polished typing experience, the Mamba may be more your speed. Known for its unique auditory characteristics that blend a neutral sound profile with thocky undertones, the Mamba offers a rich and gliding typing sensation that caters to those who enjoy a nuanced auditory experience while typing. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a harmonious balance between sound and feel, with a touch of elegance, the Mamba would be an excellent fit. Therefore, assess your typing style, sound preferences, and tactile requirements to make the best decision between these two wonderful switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more