TTC Iron vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron and the Durock Mamba both offer unique features to consider. The TTC Iron linear switch is renowned for its distinct clacky sound signature and light actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience for both enthusiasts and everyday users alike. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with a smooth typing sensation and rich auditory feedback. While the Iron is described as easy-to-press and neutral, the Mamba is characterized as thocky and polished. 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
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Durock Mamba both offer unique sound profiles, with the Iron's POM top housing creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which leans towards a brighter tone. However, both housings are designed to provide a pleasing auditory experience for users. In terms of bottom housings, both switches feature POM material, further contributing to their similar sound profiles. Despite the difference in top housing materials, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall sound quality from both the Iron and the Mamba due to the shared POM bottom housing.
While the top housing materials of the TTC Iron and Durock Mamba differ in terms of sound profile, their bottom housings remain consistent with POM material. This means that the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound of the switches will have similar qualities, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in these aspects. However, the top housing materials will impact the sound when a key is released, providing a slightly different auditory experience between the Iron's POM top housing and the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. Despite these differences, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Iron and Durock Mamba contribute to their distinct sound profiles, with the Iron's POM housing creating a deeper and more muted tone compared to the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing, which offers a brighter sound. Despite these differences, both switches use POM material for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. The top housing materials play a role in the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience. Users can expect a pleasant typing experience from both switches, with slight variations in sound profile based on the housing materials used.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see that the Iron has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Mamba, whose actuation force is not specified. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Iron requires 50 grams, while the Mamba needs 60 grams, making the Mamba slightly heavier in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Iron may make it preferable for those looking to type for extended periods without fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Mamba could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Iron provides a lighter feel in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Mamba, which offers a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Iron has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Mamba's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. The Iron's slightly longer travel distance may offer a slightly more substantial key press feel compared to the Mamba, which could feel slightly more abrupt due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each press, adding a distinctive auditory satisfaction to typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, with a thocky touch for a deep, rich tone. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Iron providing a brighter and more percussive sound, while the Mamba offers a softer and more satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for extended typing sessions. It offers a mild typing experience that is responsive and low-impact. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users, with a polished finish for smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, with slight differences in their characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their preferences.
Overall, both the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience for users. While the Iron switch leans towards a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Mamba switch provides a neutral sound profile with a thocky touch and a polished finish for smoother key travel. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, with the differences in sound and feel allowing for varied tactile and auditory experiences that cater to a diverse range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a distinctive clacky sound with buttery smooth travel, the TTC Iron may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba could be the better choice. Both switches offer different characteristics in sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, whether you opt for the TTC Iron or the Durock Mamba, both switches provide quality and performance to enhance your typing experience.
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