Gateron Beer vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Durock Mamba linear switch, it becomes clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Beer switch, with its mesmerizing translucent green design, offers a light and easy-to-press feel with a stepped tactility that sets it apart from traditional tactile switches. On the other hand, the Mamba switch pays homage to Kobe Bryant with a smooth and gliding typing experience and a rich auditory feedback. While the Beer switch is characterized as clacky and easy-to-press, the Mamba switch is described as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their own distinct advantages that may appeal to different preferences, such as the effervescent experience of the Beer switch and the creamy typing sensation of the Mamba switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Durock Mamba both contribute unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for the top housing and a POM bottom housing. The blend in the Mamba provides a pleasant and brighter sound profile, while the POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches significantly influences the sound experience for users.

Despite their differences, both the Gateron Beer and the Durock Mamba focus on delivering a unique and pleasing sound profile. While the Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper and crisper sound, the Mamba's blend and POM housings offer a more balanced and bright sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Beer allows for easy incorporation of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. On the other hand, the Mamba's use of distinct housing materials results in a sound profile that may be preferred by those looking for a different auditory experience.

In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches like the Gateron Beer and the Durock Mamba plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and overall user experience. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate in the Beer and the unique blend in the Mamba create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Beer offers a sharper and crisper sound with the use of polycarbonate, the Mamba provides a more balanced and unique sound with its blend and POM housings. Ultimately, the top and bottom housings in these switches work together to create a cohesive sound experience that can vary based on the material used.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have some notable differences. The Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Mamba's unknown actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Beer has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mamba offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Beer would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Mamba would be ideal for those who prefer a heavier touch for a more satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be very noticeable in real-world usage, so in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and switch type rather than the slight variance in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a unique clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, emitting a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. While the Beer switch offers a more distinctive and potentially louder typing experience, the Mamba switch provides a smoother and more subtle auditory feedback. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by providing low-impact and responsive feedback. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch adds a unique tactile feel that differentiates it from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek key travel. The gliding typing sensation of the Mamba switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing feel for users who prefer a more subdued tactile experience.

Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, the Mamba switch delivers a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality and a mild, polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the more vibrant and tactile experience of the Gateron Beer switch or the smoother and polished feel of the Durock Mamba switch. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force and a subtle tactile bump with a clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth linear typing experience with a polished finish, then the Durock Mamba switch could be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what feels best for you in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience and make it more enjoyable.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more