Dareu Dream vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and Durock Mamba stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Dareu Dream offers a very light linear option at an attractive price point, making it a top choice for those looking for quality and affordability. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and delivers a smooth typing experience with a rich and creamy auditory sensation. While the Dream is described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing to different 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Durock Mamba offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Dream's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a more pleasant and brighter sound. Both materials have their strengths - polycarbonate is known for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting effects, while the blend used in the Mamba offers a unique sound that is not too sharp but still bright.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dream's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. The contrast between the softer nylon and the harder POM material results in different typing experiences - from a deep and dull sound in the Dream to a more pleasing and unique sound in the Mamba.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the Durock Mamba differ in their specific characteristics, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of impact on both bottom-out sound and feel and sound when letting go of a key. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of the Dream's polycarbonate or the unique and pleasant sound of the Mamba's blend, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Mamba, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences among keyboard users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Dream, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Mamba with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, individuals can expect a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Dream offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press and more feedback. On the other hand, the Mamba provides a shorter travel distance, which could be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Dream offering a longer travel distance and the Mamba offering a shorter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound with a hint of thocky characteristics, providing a more moderate and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches can deliver excellent sound quality, but the Dream will offer a more distinct and crisp noise, while the Mamba will provide a deeper and richer tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Dream linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristic of the Dream switch also ensures a more approachable typing experience for individuals of all levels. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch boasts a mild typing experience as well, along with a polished finish that enhances the smoothness of key travel. This results in a sleek typing feel with reduced friction, making it a comfortable switch to type on for prolonged periods.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Dream excels in providing a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience, the Mamba stands out for its neutral sound profile and polished finish contributing to a refined typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, it is safe to say that regardless of which switch you opt for, both will provide a satisfying typing experience with similar results in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you are looking for a very light linear switch with an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch would be a great choice for you. It offers an easy-to-press feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba switch may be more suitable for you. It provides a mild and polished feel, along with a neutral and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize affordability and lightness (Dream) or medium force with a premium typing experience (Mamba).
Mentioned in this article
