Kailh Berry vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry 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 Kailh Berry and the Durock Mamba, both of which are linear switches. The Berry switches are known for their hefty typing experience, providing a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. With a fairly deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy', these switches offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba switches pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and provide a gliding typing sensation. These switches offer a rich and creamy auditory experience, characterized by a sound profile categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. While these generalities provide an overview, it is important to delve deeper to determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Durock Mamba switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Berry features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is bright without being particularly sharp.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Berry employs a nylon material that enhances the switch's sound experience. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba incorporates a POM bottom housing, which produces a pleasing and distinct sound. The sound profile of POM housing leans towards the deeper side and exhibits a relatively more muted characteristic.
In terms of impact on the overall switch sound and feel, if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be distributed between them. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences, both the Kailh Berry and the Durock Mamba provide unique and enjoyable sound profiles, catering to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the information available shows that the actuation force of both switches is unknown. However, the Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is categorized as medium.
Considering the weight factor, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case, they would opt for options with heavier forces.
While the actuation force for both switches remains unknown, it can be assumed that they would provide a similar result in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Berry switch requires a heavier force at 70 grams, offering a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba switch requires a slightly lighter force at 60 grams, providing a medium-level typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Kailh Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall typing experience. The Kailh Berry offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper keystroke and more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba's slightly shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or individuals seeking a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The low pitch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, while the bassy characteristic adds depth and richness similar to bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a neutral sound profile that falls in the middle ground. This means it has a moderate sound with no extreme variations. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as thocky, which implies a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, resembling a "thud" or a soft "knock". It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Nonetheless, if you want a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch will deliver, while the Durock Mamba switch offers a more neutral and thocky auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for providing a textured typing experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, giving a tactile feedback. Some users prefer this subtle texture while typing, while others prefer a smoother, more friction-free feel. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a more mild and polished feel. The mild characteristic suggests a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished description indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Therefore, if you prefer a textured feel with noticeable friction, the Kailh Berry switch is your choice, while the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a mellow and rich auditory experience. Its texture adds a springy and chalk-like typing feel. On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, giving a gliding typing sensation and a deep, satisfying sound. Its mild and polished feel ensures a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Berry switch for a low-pitched and textured feel, or the Mamba switch for a neutral and polished typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy and slightly textured feel, as well as a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Kailh Berry linear switch is a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium typing force with a gliding and mild feel, along with a neutral sound profile and a thocky sound during key presses, then the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your preference in terms of typing force, feel, and sound will determine which switch is the best choice for you. Consider trying out different switches to find the one that provides the typing experience you desire. Overall, both the Kailh Berry and Durock Mamba linear switches offer unique features and qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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