KTT Kang White vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Kang White and the Durock Mamba. The Kang White is celebrated for its exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, boasting a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation and rich, creamy auditory experience. Categorized as low-pitched and neutral, the Kang White provides a unique typing experience, while the Mamba, categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, delivers a distinct feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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 KTT Kang White and the Durock Mamba differ significantly, leading to distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Mamba features a top housing blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, producing a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. While it is not as sharp as polycarbonate, the blend still provides a unique acoustic experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Kang White employs nylon, a well-established material in switch housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thanks to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a dulled and rounder acoustic experience. Alternatively, the Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing, which creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile is on the deeper side and tends to be relatively more muted compared to nylon. Hence, the bottom housing of each switch contributes distinct acoustic characteristics to the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that when a switch utilizes different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When you press down on a switch, you will primarily feel the impact and qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when letting go of a key. This divergence allows for a more nuanced and balanced acoustic output, taking into account the specific qualities brought about by each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium force category. The Kang White has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Mamba's actuation force remains unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Kang White requires 58 grams of force, whereas the Mamba requires 60 grams.
For those who prefer lighter switches, the Kang White provides a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Mamba, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the difference of 2 grams in the bottom out force between the two switches is minimal and is unlikely to significantly impact the typing experience. Therefore, in terms of bottoming out, both switches yield similar results.
It is worth mentioning that weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Kang White, as it allows for longer comfortable use. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial and robust typing feel may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces. Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Mamba remains unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard.
In summary, while the Kang White and Mamba switches both fall within the medium force category, the Kang White is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. However, they both require a similar amount of force for bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Kang White has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Kang White falls into the more traditional range with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a sense of familiarity for users. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.5 mm, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Mamba allows for quicker key presses, ideal for gaming situations. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, preferring a more substantial depth to their keystrokes. In this case, the Kang White with its longer travel distance would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
The Kang White switch is best known for its dazzling typing sound, which is described as low-pitched. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile of the Kang White is also considered neutral, making it suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced, and for use at home or work. Additionally, the Kang White switch offers an unparalleled smoothness when typing, thanks to its self-lubricating material.
On the other hand, the Mamba switch, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. The sound profile of the Mamba switch is also described as neutral, similar to the Kang White. However, the Mamba switch is further described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. Think of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released.
In terms of feel, specific information about the Kang White switch is not provided. However, the Mamba switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, which means it provides a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mamba switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most users. The Kang White switch is known for its low-pitched sound and unparalleled smoothness when typing, while the Mamba switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy, and thocky sound. Although specific information about the feel of the Kang White switch is not provided, the Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of sound and feel, but with slight variations in their specific qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you prioritize in a switch.
If you value a dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness, the Kang White may be the better option for you. Its self-lubricating material ensures a smooth typing experience, and the poppy linear switch design produces a delightful typing sound. Additionally, the Kang White is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or in a work environment.
On the other hand, if you appreciate a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switch may be more suitable for your needs. Named in tribute to Kobe Bryant, these switches offer a unique typing experience with their smooth and polished finish. The Mamba also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different usage scenarios. Moreover, the Mamba is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kang White and the Mamba switch depends on your personal preferences for typing sound and feel. Considering the qualities described, you can make an informed choice based on the specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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