Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and Durock Mamba are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless feel that resembles ice skating on a freshly resurfaced ice rink. Typing on these switches feels like your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a magical and satisfying sensation. On the other hand, the Mamba switches pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and provide a gliding typing sensation coupled with a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience, making them great options for anyone seeking a linear switch. However, let's explore these switches in more detail to help you make the best decision according to your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Durock Mamba utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Aqua King features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Mamba combines a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, and POM for its bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. The Mamba, on the other hand, offers a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. The blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing creates a unique and pleasant sound. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound.
Aesthetically, both switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing does not offer the same translucency. This is important to consider if RGB lighting is a priority in your setup.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing are felt and heard when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. As such, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba offers a distinct and pleasing sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, and the Aqua King's polycarbonate top housing and the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing each bring their own unique characteristics to this aspect, with the Aqua King leaning towards a sharper sound while the Mamba offers a more muted tone. Overall, while both switches have their individual characteristics, the selection of housing materials greatly impacts their sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating the force needed to press all the way down. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, so we cannot determine the exact force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it does have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is in the medium range.
In terms of weight, both switches appear to offer a medium level of actuation force. However, the Aqua King is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force with 62 grams, compared to the Mamba's 60 grams. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Aqua King switch.
For individuals who prefer lighter switches to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, both the Aqua King and Mamba switches can provide a similar experience. Although the actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, the fact that its bottom out force is also in the medium range suggests that it can deliver a comparable typing experience to the Aqua King in terms of weight.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding the desired typing experience and the weight of the switches.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Aqua King is longer than the Mamba. With a 4.0 mm travel distance, the Aqua King falls into the category of a more traditional switch. On the other hand, the Mamba's travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shallower. This makes it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Mamba would be the better option. However, some people find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best described as subdued. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound profile. It is not too loud or too soft, making it suitable for most purposes. Additionally, the Mamba switch is also described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Aqua King would be a better choice, while if you enjoy a more audible and satisfying sound, the Mamba would be more suitable.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished sensations. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The application of lubricant at the factory and specific materials contribute to their silky and polished feel. Typing on Aqua King switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Similarly, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as mild and polished. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel. They also have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Both switches provide reduced friction, smooth key travel, and an overall enjoyable typing sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Everglide Aqua King and Durock Mamba linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King provides a more subdued sound, while the Mamba has a neutral sound with thocky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Aqua King offers a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, while the Mamba provides a mild and polished feel. Both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the individual's preferences for sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the final experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Nonetheless, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and regardless of the choice, one can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prioritize a typing experience that feels frictionless and reminiscent of gliding on ice, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be a fantastic choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a magical and effortless typing experience. The Aqua King is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished feel, making each keystroke a smooth and refined experience. Additionally, its sound profile is described as subdued, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you are looking for linear switches that provide a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a gliding typing sensation. The Mamba switch is known for its mild and polished feel, offering a more gentle typing experience with a sleek and refined finish. In terms of sound, it provides a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes, as well as a thocky sound when pressed and released, which produces a deep and satisfying noise.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding on ice and offers a more subdued sound, the Aqua King is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a creamy auditory experience and a switch with a mild and polished feel, the Mamba switch would be an excellent choice. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make an informed decision.
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