TTC Gold Silver vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Mamba mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out with each keystroke and a smooth journey from start to finish. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience. While the Gold Silver emphasizes speed, sound, and fluidity, the Mamba focuses on a creamy 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Mamba offer distinct qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition, making it ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a slightly brighter sound that is not as sharp, offering a unique and pleasant typing experience. While both top housings provide different sound profiles, they both add character to the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted, adding a different dimension to the overall typing experience. Despite their differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Mamba offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile and typing feel. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to a sharper and fuller sound, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and POM bottom housing offer a slightly brighter and deeper sound. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing how different housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver 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 Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mamba, which has a force that is unknown. On the other hand, the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gold Silver's bottom out force remains unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Mamba's heavier bottom out force may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This makes them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent key press feeling. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Gold Silver linear switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched auditory profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch also boasts a neutral sound profile with thocky characteristics, offering a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant sound signature while typing, ensuring an enjoyable auditory experience for the user.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek overall feel. Additionally, it provides a mild and subtle typing sensation, making it approachable to most users with its gentle characteristics. Conversely, the Durock Mamba linear switch also delivers a mild typing experience with polished qualities, resulting in a smooth and refined typing feel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, highlighting their attention to detail in ensuring a pleasant tactile feedback for the user.
Overall, while each switch may have its unique qualities in sound and feel, both the TTC Gold Silver and Durock Mamba linear switches offer a smooth, responsive, and satisfying typing experience. Whether you choose the Gold Silver for its rapid responsiveness and resonant sound signature, or the Mamba for its gliding sensation and rich auditory experience, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option. Ultimately, both switches promise a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that prioritizes rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that is characterized by a gliding sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value speed and precision or prefer a smoother and more luxurious typing experience. Consider your preferences and requirements carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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