TTC Ice vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Ice and Durock Mamba both offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The TTC Ice switches are celebrated for their striking crystal-clear design, providing a smooth and responsive feel that enhances both gaming and day-to-day typing. Their satisfying bottom-out sound not only elevates the typing experience but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, delivering a gliding sensation that is not only comfortable but also enriches the auditory experience with a creamy sound profile that many typists adore. While the Ice switches are often favored for their visual appeal and versatile performance, the Mamba switches shine in their unique auditory characteristics and smooth operation. 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
60g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Durock Mamba feature distinct materials for their top housings, which considerably influence their overall sound profiles. The Ice's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and clarity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the crispness of each keystroke. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a favorable choice for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is brighter, yet less sharp, resulting in a more pleasant and rounded auditory experience.
Conversely, when we examine the bottom housing of both switches, a different material choice is prominent. The Ice continues its theme of polycarbonate for the bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of the top housing and further amplifying the sharpness and resonance in sound. This consistency helps maintain a coherent auditory experience as both the top and bottom housings work together to amplify the clear and crisp qualities intrinsic to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which is lauded for its unique sound profile that skews towards a deeper and more muted tone. The disparity in materials here suggests that while the Ice emphasizes brightness and clarity throughout, the Mamba is designed to balance out with a warmer, more rounded feel.
Overall, the different materials in the housing constructions lead to varying auditory experiences while typing. The TTC Ice offers a cohesive high-pitched resonance due to its polycarbonate composition in both top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Durock Mamba provides a blend of brightness from its nylon and UHMWPE top housing, coupled with a deeper sound from its POM bottom housing. While the switch designs are not the same, the qualities of each material are complementary in their respective switches, enhancing either clarity and sharpness or warmth and depth, making both relevant choices depending on personal sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces highlight some interesting contrasts and similarities. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a moderately light switch that is well-suited for users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mamba switch lacks a specified actuation force, but it shares the same bottom out force of 60 grams as the Ice, indicating that both switches are designed to provide a medium resistance when fully pressed down. Since the Mamba's actuation force is unknown, we cannot determine if its overall typing experience is lighter or heavier compared to the Ice. However, since the Ice has a defined force of 45 grams for actuation, it is reasonable to consider it the lighter option in terms of reaching the keystroke. Ultimately, users who enjoy a lighter touch may find the TTC Ice preferable, while those who seek a stronger, more substantial feel may need to further investigate the Mamba's actuation characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there is a slight difference in travel distance that could influence user preference. The TTC Ice boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ice switch travels a fraction further than the Mamba, making it potentially more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper press, as it offers a more substantial tactile feedback. Conversely, the Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking rapid actuation for quicker response times. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Ice is the longer option, providing a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Mamba's shorter actuation may feel more abrupt, appealing to users who favor speed and immediacy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch features a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to a premium typing experience, though specific descriptions of its acoustic profile are not provided. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch is characterized by a neutral tone, offering a moderate sound profile that is versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Additionally, the Mamba switches are noted for their thocky quality, producing a deep and rich sound that is pleasing to the ear. Both switches have unique sound attributes, but the Mamba's richness and depth may appeal more to users looking for auditory satisfaction while typing.
In terms of feel, the Ice switch boasts a smooth and responsive typing sensation, providing an overall enjoyable experience suitable for gaming and general use. However, the specific details regarding its tactile qualities are not expounded upon. On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience, making it accessible for both novice and expert users; complemented by its polished nature, it ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction. This polished feel adds to the overall typing experience, giving the Mamba a refined touch that many users may find appealing compared to the Ice switch, which is less defined in its description.
Taken together, both the TTC Ice and Durock Mamba linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice provides a premium, smooth typing experience with a pleasing sound, making it suitable for diverse applications, while the Mamba excels in its rich auditory experience and polished feel, fostering a gentle, refined touch. While each has distinct qualities that might appeal to various users, those looking for similar typing experiences would still find satisfaction in both, thanks to their strong design philosophy aimed at providing comfortable and enjoyable keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a smooth, responsive feel while also providing a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice would be an excellent choice. Its crystal-clear design not only enhances the aesthetic of your keyboard but also ensures a premium typing experience that works well for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a typing experience that is characterized by a gliding sensation and a thocky auditory feedback, the Durock Mamba would be more to your liking. Its mild and polished feel makes it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists, while the rich, creamy sound it produces adds an element of enjoyment to your typing sessions. In essence, choose the Ice if you want a clear sound profile combined with a premium experience, and opt for the Mamba if you're seeking a smoother glide and a more classic tactile feel.
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