HMX Cheese vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese and Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch that offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches stand out for being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, also a linear switch, provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Mamba switches offer a unique typing experience. While the Cheese excels in smoothness and lightness, the Mamba stands out for its rich auditory experience and gliding sensation. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Mamba both offer unique sound profiles due to the use of different materials. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing stands out for its pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, offering a unique auditory experience. While both offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences with the Cheese focusing on creating a fuller sound, while the Mamba aims for a brighter tone.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Cheese's nylon bottom housing complements its top housing by providing a deep and full sound profile, creating a cohesive typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a more muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in bottom housing material adds another layer of complexity to the sound produced by each switch, catering to varying preferences in sound and feel.
While the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Durock Mamba offer different sound profiles, the unique qualities they bring complement each other to enhance the typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a balanced sound when pressing down on the switch and a distinct sound when releasing the key. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience with their housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, whether one prefers the deeper, fuller sound of the Cheese or the brighter, unique sound of the Mamba, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese has a lighter touch overall. The HMX Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, which could vary depending on personal preference. In terms of weight, lighter switches like the Cheese are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches like the Mamba offer a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Despite their differences in force, both switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Cheese and the Durock Mamba linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when typing on a keyboard with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent key press feel in terms of travel distance. The linear nature of both switches ensures a smooth and uninterrupted key press without any tactile bump or audible click. Therefore, whether you choose the Cheese or the Mamba, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a moderate key travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a balance between key travel and typing speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is quite unique due to its ultra-light nature. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a rich and creamy auditory experience with a gliding typing sensation. While the Cheese switch offers a more distinct and lighter sound profile, the Mamba switch provides a deeper and richer thocky sound, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as keycaps and the keyboard itself.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a unique and satisfying feel with its ultra-light actuation. Conversely, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel with smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Cheese switch being more smooth and light, while the Mamba switch offers a more refined and polished feel.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switch provides a light and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Mamba switch offers a deep and rich thocky sound with a polished feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, and users can expect similar satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Cheese with 46 grams bottom out force might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel, the Mamba with 60 grams bottom out force could be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a crisp, poppy sound and a smooth typing experience, the Cheese might be more to your liking. However, if you enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, the Mamba could be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what fits your typing style and preferences best.
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