Bsun Pine vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Pine stands out for its sharp tactile bump and fast action, appealing to those who seek a direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Mamba provides a smooth and gliding typing sensation, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more neutral and polished feel. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics that make them desirable for specific users. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Bsun Pine and the Durock Mamba, it is evident that their top housing materials play a significant role in the sound profile they produce. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a brighter sound. Both materials contribute to a unique sound profile, with the Pine being more resonant due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, while the Mamba provides a pleasant and not sharp sound profile. Despite these differences, both materials are ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Pine utilizes nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Mamba offers a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and the sound produced when pressing down on the keys.
While the Bsun Pine and the Durock Mamba differ in their housing materials, both switches provide a unique typing experience through the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. The qualities of each material, whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Pine or the deeper sound of POM in the Mamba, contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether it is the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound produced when releasing a key by the top housing, both switches offer a diverse range of sound profiles that cater to different preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Pine requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mamba, which has an unspecified actuation force. However, the Mamba has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to these differences in force requirements. The Pine switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Mamba switch offers a medium typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Mamba, while those who prefer a heavier feel may choose the Pine.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may lean towards the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a notably sharp tactile bump and fast action, providing a distinct and direct typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. The Mamba switch also delivers a deep and satisfying auditory experience with a "thocky" sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a remarkable typing sensation. The Pine switch is also described as accented and snappy, offering a balanced blend of tactility and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. With its smooth key travel, the Mamba switch ensures a comfortable feel for most users. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch each have their own distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump and direct feedback, while the Mamba switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing sensation. Depending on your preference for a sharper tactile experience or a gentler linear feel, both switches provide excellent options for a customized typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Pine or the Mamba, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that delivers on performance and user satisfaction.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and fast action, the Bsun Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba switch might be more up your alley. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactility when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs.
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