Gateron Glory Red vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Mamba both offer unique attributes tailored to enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, making it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, inspired by the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, is known for its exceptional gliding sensation and a rich, creamy auditory feedback, providing users a slightly more tactile experience while retaining its linear characteristics. While the Glory Red appeals to those seeking an effortless and comfortable typing experience, the Mamba caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory satisfaction combined with a smooth ride. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Mamba, we find a blend of both similarities and differences that significantly impact their acoustic and tactile performance. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a unique polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While this blend also aims to create a pleasant sound profile, it leans towards a brighter note, offering a subtle contrast to the Glory Red. Therefore, while both switches utilize nylon to absorb sound, the Mamba’s incorporation of UHMWPE introduces a distinct tonal quality that is not present in the Glory Red.
The bottom housing of these switches further exemplifies their contrasting approaches to sound production. The Glory Red features a nylon bottom housing, mirroring its top housing in material and contributing to a cohesive, muted sound profile that enhances the overall tactile and auditory experience of the switch. On the other hand, the Mamba is equipped with a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which lends a different characteristic to its acoustic performance. POM is celebrated for its smoothness and ability to create a deeper, more muted sound, which, combined with the top housing’s brightness, results in a balanced auditory profile. Consequently, while both switches utilize nylon in their design, the difference in the bottom housing materials will lead to noticeable variances in the feel and sound when typing.
In conclusion, users looking for a more subdued and rounded sound may find the Gateron Glory Red appealing, with its consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housings. In contrast, those preferring a brighter tonal quality with a balanced depth might favor the Durock Mamba, particularly due to its mixed materials. Both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences, but the differences in the sound profile—stemming from their distinctive housing materials—will cater to varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on individual sound and feel preferences, underscoring how even subtle changes in housing composition can lead to different end results.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we find a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for a lighter keystroke, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding how it feels when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Durock Mamba's actuation force is also unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier tactile experience that demands more pressure to fully engage the switch. Therefore, while the Glory Red offers a lighter actuation, the Mamba provides a heavier bottom-out feel, making it likely more suitable for those who prefer a firmer response while typing. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is favored for a more effortless typing experience, while the Durock Mamba is tailored for users who enjoy a more substantial feedback with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we find that the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This small difference indicates that the Glory Red offers a bit more depth in key actuation, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Mamba, with its shorter 3.5 mm distance, may provide a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers seeking to enhance their gameplay. Thus, if you prioritize a more responsive touch, the Durock Mamba would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress might lean toward the Gateron Glory Red. Overall, the distinct travel distances highlight the preferences of users, with the Glory Red being slightly longer and potentially offering a more satisfying experience for those who favor depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Red and Durock Mamba switches, the Glory Red’s auditory characteristics are left unspecified, but the Mamba switches are noted for their neutral and thocky qualities. The neutral sound of the Mamba provides a versatile experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists, making it adaptable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the thocky nature of the Mamba enhances the typing experience with a deep, rich sound that offers satisfying feedback upon key presses and releases. Together, these qualities suggest that the Mamba delivers a more engaging auditory experience compared to the potentially undefined sound of the Glory Red.
In terms of feel, the Glory Red switches also lack specific descriptors, while the Mamba switches offer a more nuanced tactile experience. The mild nature of the Mamba provides a gentle and approachable typing sensation, making it easy to adapt to for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mamba enhances this experience by delivering smooth key travel, reducing friction, and resulting in a refined tactile feel. Without definite descriptors for the Glory Red's feel, it's challenging to compare their tactile experience exactly, but the Mamba’s mild and polished characteristics indicate they cater to a pleasant and user-friendly typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red’s sound and feel remain unspecified, the Durock Mamba switches shine with their engaging thocky sound and smooth, mild typing experience. Those looking for a satisfying audio feedback will likely gravitate towards the Mamba, while the lighter Glory Red may still appeal to users seeking a smooth travel distance. Without more information on the Glory Red, this comparison suggests that for a refined auditory and tactile experience, the Mamba is a clear choice, although the results from the Glory Red might be similarly pleasant for users who prefer a softer approach.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Mamba linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keystroke and seek a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red may be your best bet. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming, offering less resistance and a delightful travel distance. However, if you favor a more moderate amount of resistance with a richer auditory experience, the Durock Mamba might be the ideal choice for you. With its deeper thocky sound and polished finish, this switch provides a satisfying feel and sound profile that's approachable for users of all skill levels. Additionally, the Mamba's medium force can help prevent accidental key presses, making it a suitable option for both work and casual typing scenarios. In the end, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter touch with the Glory Red or a more balanced, rich typing experience with the Mamba.
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