Keygeek Keylin vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact your overall satisfaction. The Keygeek Keylin linear switch stands out for its use of new molds, delivering a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. It's a great choice for those who value a refined feel and sound while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, offering a gliding typing sensation complemented by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Its distinct characteristics are classified as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Thocky,' and 'Polished,' making it an appealing option for users who appreciate a versatile and satisfying sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences; while the Keylin emphasizes smoothness and premium acoustics, the Mamba offers a unique blend of auditory richness and visual homage. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Mamba are distinct yet share certain characteristics that provide a unique typing experience. The Keylin features a traditional nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's reputation as a softer plastic contributes to this effect, as it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounded and muted auditory experience during typing. This classic design makes it easy to achieve a consistent and pleasant sound profile that many users appreciate.
In contrast, the Durock Mamba employs a combination of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which delivers a brighter sound compared to pure nylon. This unique blend allows for a more varied auditory experience, moving away from the muffled characteristics of all-nylon housings. However, the Mamba's bottom housing is made of POM, which is known for producing a unique, more muted sound profile that leans deeper. Despite differing materials, both the Mamba's top and bottom housings contribute to differentiated sound profiles as one would expect from switches with distinct housing types.
Despite these differences, both the Keylin and Mamba housings can allow for a satisfying typing experience through the variation of sound profiles. The Keylin provides a consistent and rounded sound with both top and bottom nylon, whereas the Mamba offers a more layered sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a mix of brightness and depth. Even with differing materials, users can appreciate how the combination of the top and bottom housings can yield a coherent and enjoyable auditory outcome that caters to a broad range of preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, providing distinct typing experiences. The Keylin features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it easier on the fingers for long typing sessions and ideal for those who prefer a softer push feel. In contrast, the Mamba has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when pressing the key all the way down. This heavier bottom out force suggests that despite the missing actuation value, the Mamba is designed for users who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter option, while the Mamba, with its greater bottom out force indicating a stronger push, is the heavier choice. The difference in these forces can lead to varied typing preferences, with the Keylin being ideal for comfort during extensive use and the Mamba appealing to those who favor a more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Although both distances are relatively close, the Keylin provides a slightly deeper experience, which may be preferable for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel when pressing a key. Conversely, the Mamba's shorter travel distance might be appreciated by gamers seeking quicker response times, as it facilitates faster actuations. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Keylin catering to those who favor depth and the Mamba appealing to those who prioritize rapid key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Mamba linear switches, the Keylin is known for its rich acoustics that provide a satisfying auditory experience, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba not only offers a neutral sound that is suitable for various environments, but it also features a thocky quality, delivering a deep and satisfying sound akin to a soft thud when pressed. This thocky resonance is a sought-after characteristic among enthusiasts who appreciate a more profound auditory feedback while typing, making the Mamba a compelling choice for users looking for both versatility and rich sound.
In terms of feel, the Keylin switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, although specific descriptors regarding its tactile characteristics were not provided. The Mamba switch, in contrast, emphasizes a mild feel that is accessible to both beginners and experienced typists. Its polished finish contributes to a sleek and effortless typing experience, significantly reducing friction and enhancing key travel. Consequently, while the Keylin's details on feel remain vague, the Mamba's refined tactile qualities make it an attractive option for those valuing smooth and gentle keypresses.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Mamba linear switches present enticing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each excelling in their own domains. The Keylin showcases rich sound and exceptional smoothness, rendering it a standout in acoustic performance. Meanwhile, the Mamba's versatile sound profile coupled with a mild and polished feel makes it appealing to a broader audience. While the specific qualities of the Keylin may remain somewhat undisclosed, users can expect a premium experience from either switch, with similar results in terms of sound and tactile feedback based on the emphasis each brings to the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter switch that requires less force to bottom out, you might find the Keylin appealing. Its emphasis on premium acoustics and exceptional smoothness can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it a great option for extensive typing sessions or for users who enjoy a soft keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a firmer feel with a heavier actuation force, the Mamba's 60 grams might suit you better. Its mix of a creamy auditory experience and polished tactile feedback can enhance your typing while also standing up to more aggressive keystrokes. For those who appreciate sound profiles, the Keylin offers a unique acoustic experience, while the Mamba provides a thocky, satisfying sound that many find appealing. In summary, consider the Keylin for a lightweight, auditory-rich typing experience, and choose the Mamba if you prefer a solid, polished feel with a more robust sound.
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