TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Mamba are both linear keyboard switches known for their smooth typing experience. The Flaming Purple stands out with its bassy and resonant sound signature, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke, while also being feathery and easy to press due to its light 47g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, with a neutral and polished feel. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, the Flaming Purple may appeal more to those who enjoy a bassier sound profile and effortless typing, while the Mamba could be preferred by those looking for a smooth and mild typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Mamba, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant, brighter sound. The difference in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the unique blend of materials in the Mamba's top housing. In terms of aesthetics, the clear housing of the Flaming Purple allows for RGB lighting, while the Mamba's top housing is not translucent.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the absorption of sound by the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple versus the unique characteristics of the POM bottom housing of the Mamba.
Overall, while the Flaming Purple and the Durock Mamba offer different sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both aim to provide a pleasing typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings in each switch contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing on the switch. Whether it be the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Flaming Purple or the deeper sound of the POM bottom housing in the Mamba, users can expect a unique typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Mamba linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is 47 grams, while the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The Flaming Purple is suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Mamba offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches provide different options for users based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces, allowing for a customized typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Durock Mamba linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience. Gamers may lean towards the Flaming Purple for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to each key press, while others may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Mamba for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and feedback desired during typing or gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier and resonant typing experience, characterized by a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, creating a rich and creamy auditory experience that is satisfying to the ears. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, as the Flaming Purple leans towards a deeper sound profile while the Mamba offers a more moderate and versatile option.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with gentle resistance and a smooth key travel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a different tactile sensation, with the Flaming Purple emphasizing lightness and ease of typing, while the Mamba focuses on a refined and polished feel.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple and Durock Mamba linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier and resonant sound profile, paired with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba delivers a neutral and thocky sound profile, combined with a mild and polished typing feel. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts and daily typists, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch and a poppy undertone in sound, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for swift and effortless typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch and a gliding typing sensation with a creamy auditory experience, the Mamba with its 60g bottom out force could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, whether you prioritize a feathery feel or a more polished typing experience.