TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Mamba. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Mamba is a linear switch that provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing. The Bluish White is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', while the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Bluish White and the Durock Mamba switches offer distinct differences in both sound profile and aesthetics. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who desire a satisfying audible experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it perfect for showcasing vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, providing a slightly brighter, yet balanced sound profile. Although not as sharp as polycarbonate, this unique blend holds its own charm for those who prefer a pleasant and distinctive auditory feedback.
Moving to the bottom housing, the TTC Bluish White utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deep and fuller sound profile due to being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder materials. As a result, typing on the Bluish White switches delivers a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to users seeking a more muffled and soothing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba incorporates a POM bottom housing, contributing to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This material preference skews towards the deeper end of the audio spectrum, providing a relatively more muted sound when compared to the Bluish White's nylon bottom housing.
When comparing these switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will differ depending on whether they are used in the top or bottom housing of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means that the sound profile experienced while pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, while the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Mamba may have similar top or bottom housing materials, the allocation of these materials affects the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The TTC Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, meaning less force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium in comparison.
Considering weight, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Bluish White switch, as it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it suitable for work keyboards or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for options with heavier forces. In this case, the Durock Mamba provides a moderately heavier bottom out force for those seeking a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White switch is lighter in terms of actuation force but slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out. However, without information on the actuation force of the Durock Mamba, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Nevertheless, those seeking a lighter typing experience would likely be satisfied with the Bluish White switch, while those desiring a more forceful keystroke may find the moderately heavier bottom out force of the Mamba to be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. It is important to note that both switches offer a consistent and comfortable tactile feedback, making them suitable options for those seeking a high-quality typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch is best known for its low-pitched profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic. This means that the Mamba switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is considered stepped, which means it has two stages of tactility, providing a mild and noticeable tactile bump. The switch is also described as subtle, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, the Bluish White switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience.
Similarly, the Durock Mamba linear switch is also described as mild and polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, similar to the Bluish White switch.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a range of feels, including buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, and a mild and polished feel. While they offer different experiences, both switches provide satisfactory typing experiences with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who desires a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, then the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile and provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch is the perfect fit. With a medium bottom out force, the Mamba switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, at home or at work. Moreover, the Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch depends on your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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