Kailh Box Navy vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that can provide you with a delightful heavy typing experience and an invigorating sound signature, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the perfect choice for you. Reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, these clicky switches offer a distinct tactile feedback and a satisfying crunchiness to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more fluid typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switches are an excellent option. Paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, these Mamba switches provide a gliding typing experience and produce a polished and thocky sound. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide which switch best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the Durock Mamba differ significantly, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Mamba combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, generating a more pleasant and brighter sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they vary in terms of tone and sharpness.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box Navy features a nylon construction, known for producing a deep and full sound. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. As for the Mamba, its POM bottom housing creates an entirely different sound experience. With a deeper pitch and relatively muted quality, the POM housing introduces a unique and pleasing sound profile that differs from the softer and fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy.
Due to the disparities in top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the resulting sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. However, despite these divergences, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that can enhance typing or gaming experiences, depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box Navy has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, indicating that a more substantial push is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Box Navy is the heavier option with 90 grams, while the Mamba has a more moderate 60 grams. This means that the Box Navy provides a more robust typing experience due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mamba's lighter bottom out force may be preferable for individuals looking for a lighter switch, allowing them to type for extended periods or enjoy long gaming sessions without as much strain. Overall, the weight factor plays a crucial role in the decision-making process, as it determines the typing experience and endurance suitable for different preferences and use cases.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box Navy being on the deeper end and the Mamba being slightly shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Mamba a favorable choice in that regard. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, in which case the Box Navy with its longer travel distance would provide a more satisfying depth. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prefers a more responsive feel or a deeper keystroke.
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 Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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 Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile that immerses you in a clean and sharp auditory experience. The tactile click of the switch resembles the satisfying sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a neutral and thocky sound. It has a moderate sound profile with a deep and rich sound reminiscent of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Overall, if you prefer a clicky and crunchy sound, the Box Navy is the better choice, while the Mamba delivers a more neutral and thocky auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the switch provides high feedback intensity, making each keypress distinct and satisfying. The invigorating feel, coupled with moderate to firm actuation force, results in a snappy and reactive typing sensation. However, the switch requires more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, leading to a stiffer feeling when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a milder and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to most users. The switch's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a sharp and invigorating feel, the Box Navy is the way to go, while the Mamba offers a gentler and smoother typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a heavy typing experience with a resonant, crunchy sound and a sharp, invigorating feel. It is ideal for those who enjoy the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation, a rich and creamy auditory experience, and a milder, polished feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a heavy and tactile experience with a clicky sound, the Box Navy is the right choice. However, if you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience with a linear sound, the Mamba is the way to go. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences and needs when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and enjoy the sound and feel of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switches are the perfect fit for you. These switches provide a vintage buckling keyboard feel with their heftiness and distinct clicky sound. The Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy sound profile, accompanied by a sharp and invigorating tactile feel. They require a higher amount of force to actuate and provide a highly immersive typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience, the Durock Mamba linear switches are a great choice. These switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. With their moderate actuation force requirement and neutral sound profile, the Mamba switches are suitable for both beginners and advanced typists. They provide a mild and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switches and the Durock Mamba linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a heavy and tactile typing experience with distinct clicky sounds, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mamba switches will be a better fit. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your needs.
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