KTT Ash Gray vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Mamba. The Ash Gray switch is a tactile switch, designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. With a light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba is a linear switch, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant. This switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Mamba is classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their merits, but let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Durock Mamba have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's top housing is made of a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials contribute to a pleasant sound experience, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Mamba's blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing as it creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound. The sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing. Both materials bring their own qualities to the typing experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound and POM offering a deeper and more muted tone.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, it's important to note that their effects are divided between the bottom-out and key release sounds. The bottom housing material primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Ash Gray and the Mamba have different housing materials, they will still provide similar typing experiences in terms of the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ash Gray tactile switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Mamba's actuation force is unknown. This means that the Ash Gray requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ash Gray has a force of 53 grams, whereas the Mamba requires a heavier force of 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ash Gray tactile switch would be a suitable choice, as its actuation force allows for easy keystrokes. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel may find the Mamba linear switch more suitable. The Mamba offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more satisfying feedback while typing.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Ash Gray tactile switch is lighter, resulting in easier keystrokes, the Mamba linear switch requires a heavier force to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch is exactly the same, measuring 3.5 mm. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. However, the Mamba switch stands out with its "thocky" characteristic, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. This can add to the auditory experience and provide a more immersive typing sensation. Keep in mind that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a gentle typing experience, but with their own nuances. The Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Its mild characteristic ensures that the typing feel is approachable and comfortable for most users. On the other hand, the Mamba switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience similar to the Ash Gray. Additionally, the Mamba switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel can further enhance typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer their own unique qualities. While the Ash Gray switch provides a blend of tactile feedback without being overwhelming, the Mamba switch delivers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. In terms of sound, they both have a moderate profile, with the Mamba switch having an additional "thocky" characteristic. In terms of feel, they both offer a gentle typing experience, with the Ash Gray switch being easy-to-press and the Mamba switch being polished for a sleek feel. Overall, if you prefer a tactile experience, the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice, while the Mamba switch is excellent for those who enjoy a smooth and immersive linear typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it provides a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed. This switch is easy to press, offering minimal resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, enhancing your overall typing experience. The sound profile of the Ash Gray is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer linear switches, the Durock Mamba is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. These switches provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most, falling in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Mamba switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Mamba switch also has a neutral profile, making it versatile for various use cases.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch depends on your preferences. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a light touch and minimal resistance, the Ash Gray is the way to go. However, if you prefer linear switches and value a gliding typing sensation with a polished finish, the Mamba is a suitable choice. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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