Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Mamba both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its innovative material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch. With a slightly textured feel right out of the box, these switches are ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and provides a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Keygeek Raw is described as 'Textured' and 'Subtle', while the Durock Mamba is labeled as 'Thocky' and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing styles; 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Durock Mamba both use unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing while the Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. Both blends offer a pleasant sound profile, but the Keygeek Raw leans towards a brighter sound while the Mamba produces a deeper, more muted sound. The top housing of each switch plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the distinct characteristics of each blend.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Keygeek Raw incorporates a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, while the Durock Mamba uses a POM bottom housing. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw provides a unique sound profile, exclusive to the switch, while the POM housing of the Mamba creates a deeper and more muted sound. The blend of materials used in the bottom housings further differentiates the two switches in terms of sound characteristics.
While the Keygeek Raw and Durock Mamba both offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, they share similarities in their overall approach to enhancing the typing experience. Both switches focus on providing a pleasant sound profile that complements a variety of typing preferences. Despite their differences in top and bottom housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and feel when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and Durock Mamba comes down to personal preference in sound characteristics and typing experience.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have similar actuation forces, as both have an actuation force of None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw is lighter with a bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Durock Mamba's bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference means that the Keygeek Raw may feel slightly lighter when typing, while the Durock Mamba may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a medium level of bottom out force, making them suitable for a variety of users' preferences. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Durock Mamba.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these switches for their fast and precise keystrokes. While the travel distance difference between the two switches is minimal, with the Mamba being slightly longer, the difference may not be significant enough to impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Mamba will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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, both the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Mamba linear switches offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and settings. However, the Mamba switch also provides a thocky sound, which adds a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a rich typing sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured sensation when pressed, which can be preferred by some users for its frictional feedback. It also provides a mild and subtle typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild feel with a polished finish, resulting in a smoother and refined typing experience. This polished feature reduces friction and enhances key travel, appealing to those looking for a sleek and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Mamba linear switches share some similarities in sound and feel, they also offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a creamy and lightweight switch with a textured feel, the Keygeek Raw might be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a gliding typing sensation with a polished finish for reduced friction, the Durock Mamba switch could be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and desired auditory experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider the unique material blend and lightweight feel of the Keygeek Raw for a slightly textured typing experience that is perfect for hand-lubing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, especially for those who enjoy a polished switch with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for textured and lightweight switches or polished and gliding switches in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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