Kailh Box White vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Box White and the Durock Mamba. The Box White is a clicky switch that offers maximum audio feedback, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. With a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and an accented tactility, the Box White switch delivers a unique sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Mamba is a linear switch that provides a smooth and gliding typing sensation. Named as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, these switches offer a rich and creamy auditory experience, allowing for an enjoyable and immersive typing experience. While the Box White emphasizes a resonant and high-pitched feel, the Mamba offers a more neutral and mild typing experience. Both switches have a polished feel, but differ in their sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Durock Mamba Linear

$2.76 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Durock Mamba differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Box White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mamba features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Box White employs a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba incorporates a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, creating a pleasing and distinctive deeper sound. The sound profile of Mamba's POM housing is relatively more muted compared to the Box White's nylon housing.

While the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box White and Durock Mamba differ, it is important to understand their impact on the overall switch experience. Pressing down on the switch will mainly reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the specific housing materials differ, both the Box White and Mamba offer unique and satisfying sound profiles that can enhance typing or gaming experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it becomes apparent that they have similar bottom out forces of 60 grams. However, their actuation forces differ. The Kailh Box White requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is unavailable. As for weight, both switches can offer advantages depending on individual preferences. The lighter actuation force of the Kailh Box White allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Mamba, with its unknown actuation force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting that the Box White has a slightly longer travel distance.

In terms of practicality, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances commonly found in keyboards. The most common travel distance is around 4.0 mm, while the shallowest is around 3.0 mm. Therefore, both the Box White and the Mamba provide a comfortable typing experience without deviating too far from the norm.

However, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the Mamba with its slightly shorter travel distance might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress and enjoy a deeper feeling when typing might lean towards the Box White with its slightly longer travel distance.

Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, and the decision between them depends on personal preferences and the desired typing sensation. Whether opting for the slightly shorter travel distance of the Mamba or the slightly longer travel distance of the Box White, users can expect similar results in terms of comfort and performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a highly resonant and immersive auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile, with a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. The characteristic sound of the Box White switch can be compared to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The sound produced by the Mamba switch is moderate and has a satisfying deep and rich thocky tone when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box White switch offers a polished typing experience. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The use of high-quality materials and possible factory lubing contribute to the sleek typing experience provided by the Box White switch. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. With its qualities falling in a safe middle-ground zone, the Mamba switch ensures a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel. Similar to the Box White, the Mamba switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Box White provides a highly resonant and high-pitched sound profile, along with an accented tactility when typing. Its polished feel ensures a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a satisfying deep thocky tone, accompanied by a gliding typing sensation. Its mild and approachable feel caters to a wide range of users. If you prefer a clicky switch with maximum audio feedback and a crunchy sound, the Box White is an excellent choice. If a linear switch with a rich and creamy auditory experience and a smooth typing sensation is more appealing, then the Mamba is the way to go. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, as these can influence the final sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys the sensation of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box White switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch when typing on them, along with an accented tactility. In terms of sound, the Box White produces a resonant and high-pitched sound, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. Furthermore, the Box White switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba switch is the one for you. Also featuring a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Mamba switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, providing a more gentle typing experience and a sleek feel with reduced friction.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you desire maximum audio feedback and a clicky feel, or a smooth and gentle typing experience, both switches have their unique qualities to offer. Keep in mind what sound and feel characteristics you prioritize in a keyboard switch, and choose accordingly. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more