TTC Gold Brown vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Mamba are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The Gold Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its balanced nature. With a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, they have a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to most switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a less intrusive typing sound. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba is a linear switch that pays tribute to Kobe Bryant. Typing on these switches gives a gliding sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. They are categorized as having a neutral and mild feel with a thocky sound profile. While these general pointers give an overview of what each switch has to offer, it's important to dive in deeper to fully understand which switch would be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Mamba switches differ in composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Mamba has a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, resulting in a pleasant sound that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Both housings offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Gold Brown emphasizing clarity and resonance while the Mamba provides a pleasant and bright audio experience.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Gold Brown is equipped with a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing, which produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. The POM material generates a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. While both bottom housings contribute to sound production, the Gold Brown's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mamba's POM housing creates a more muted and unique audio experience.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom parts of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the impact of the bottom housing, whether it is nylon or POM, will be more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether it is polycarbonate or the unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch, and while the Gold Brown and the Mamba offer contrasting materials, they both provide distinct and desirable results.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Mamba's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown would be a suitable choice, as its actuation force is lighter than the Mamba. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and sturdy typing feel, the Mamba may be preferred. Though its actuation force is unknown, the bottom out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying push that can enhance the typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Mamba depends on personal preference and typing style. Those seeking a lighter switch would find the Gold Brown more appealing, while those desiring a stronger push would gravitate towards the Mamba. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, ensuring a similar result in terms of full key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Brown falls into the more traditional range with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a comfortable depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.5 mm, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Mamba's shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Gold Brown's longer travel distance would be the preferred choice. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or at work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of both switches are approachable to most users, as their qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as having a polished finish, which results in a sleek typing experience and reduced friction. This smooth key travel is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubrication.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer subjective qualities that are balanced and suitable for most users. The Gold Brown has a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, while the Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience with a polished finish. Therefore, depending on your preference for tactile feedback or linear typing, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for different preferences.
If you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown is a great choice. It offers a rounded, softer sound profile and a typing experience that is approachable to most. The Gold Brown is a versatile switch that can be used in various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It provides a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with its mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba is the way to go. It has a medium bottom out force like the Gold Brown, and its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for different purposes. With its mild and polished feel, the Mamba offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Mamba will depend on your personal preference for either a tactile or linear switch. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described above, and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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