Kailh BCP vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh BCP and the Durock Mamba are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP stands out with its reimagined design, providing a creamy, viscous feel that delivers a unique bouncy touch. Not only does it promise an engaging typing experience, but it also provides a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, which can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to an iconic athlete and emphasizes a smooth, gliding typing experience along with a rich, creamy sound that underscores its 'neutral', 'mild', 'thocky', and 'polished' attributes. While the BCP is ideal for those who crave a lively, tactile feedback, the Mamba appeals to those seeking a more refined and subtle auditory sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Durock Mamba Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh BCP and the Durock Mamba switches, both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, although the Mamba incorporates a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The BCP’s nylon top housing is characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This quality makes the BCP particularly appealing to users seeking a muted and rounded sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba's top housing, while still benefiting from the nylon element, adds the unique attributes of UHMWPE, which contributes to a brighter sound. This slight tonal difference may cater to users who prefer a sound that is more pleasant yet retains a hint of sharpness when keys are released.

In terms of bottom housing, the Kailh BCP again employs nylon, providing a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. This uniformity ensures that users experience a seamless auditory feedback during both key presses and releases. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba uses POM for its bottom housing, which is known for creating a muted yet pleasant sound signature. This shift from nylon to POM introduces a variation in the typing experience; while both switches provide a quality sound, the BCP will typically produce a more unified sound profile across both phases of key engagement, while the Mamba's POM bottom allows for a distinct character that emphasizes deeper sound when bottoming out.

Overall, while both the Kailh BCP and Durock Mamba switches feature nylon in their top housings, they differ in their bottom materials, introducing contrasting auditory experiences. The BCP's consistent use of nylon may deliver a more cohesive sound experience, while the Mamba offers a richer complexity attributed to the blend of materials. Essentially, the choice between them will rely on user preference for sound characteristics: whether one favors the BCP's unwavering depth or the Mamba's combination of brightness and muted lower tones.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP features an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Mamba does not provide an actuation force value. However, the Mamba's bottom out force is listed as 60 grams, which indicates that it is slightly lighter than the BCP's bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This suggests that the BCP may offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, making it potentially more appealing to those who prefer a firmer key press. Conversely, the lighter bottom out force of the Mamba can contribute to less fatigue during extended use, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Though the actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, the slight difference in bottom out forces points to a preference for the BCP if one desires a heavier feel in their keystrokes, while the Mamba may be the better choice for users seeking a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you can expect the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel during use. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users will experience consistent keypress feedback regardless of the switch they choose. With no differences in travel distance, the performance during typing or gaming will offer uniformity, making them comparable options for those seeking a linear switch experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP switch is characterized by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that stands out, providing an auditory experience that feels lively and energetic. This makes it particularly appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches present a neutral sound profile, complemented by a thocky quality. This results in a rich, deep sound with a soft "knock" when the keys are pressed, creating a satisfying auditory experience that caters to a wider audience, whether used in a home or work environment.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Kailh BCP offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation, making for a dynamic typing experience that can be very engaging for users who enjoy a switch that provides a bit of feedback beneath their fingers. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switches deliver a gentle and mild typing experience, focusing on a smoother feel that is user-friendly for both novices and experienced typists. The polished quality of the Mamba switches further enhances their performance by ensuring a reduced friction experience, promoting an effortless key travel.

In summary, both the Kailh BCP and Durock Mamba linear switches possess distinctive yet appealing characteristics regarding sound and feel. The BCP switches offer a lively and clacky sound alongside an engaging, bouncy feel, making them suitable for those who relish audible feedback and a springy typing experience. The Mamba switches, conversely, provide a rich, deep sound quality with a mild and polished feel, making them versatile for various typing scenarios and accessible for all skill levels. If you enjoy a balance of sound and comfort, either switch can offer satisfying results, depending on which qualities resonate more with your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between Kailh BCP linear switches and Durock Mamba linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a unique, bouncy feel with a poppy, clacky sound profile, the BCP might be the right choice for you. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, making it ideal for creative tasks or leisurely gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Durock Mamba is likely a better match. Its neutral yet thocky sound and mild feel provide an accessible typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of work or casual gaming without overwhelming your senses. Ultimately, both switches bring distinct qualities to the table, so consider how you’ll be using your keyboard and what you prioritize in terms of sound and tactile feedback when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more