KTT Laurel vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Laurel and Durock Mamba, two excellent options for those seeking a linear mechanical keyboard switch. The KTT Laurel is renowned for its medium-light weight and linear design. With a full POM housing, this switch offers a perfect blend of responsiveness and comfort, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel switch produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant and provides a gliding typing sensation. Typing with the Mamba switch offers a rich and creamy auditory experience that is sure to please. Categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Snappy', the Laurel exudes a different vibe compared to the 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' traits of the Mamba. However, let's dive deeper into their features to help you decide which switch best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
22m spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Durock Mamba differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a deep and relatively muted sound, which gives it a unique and pleasing auditory experience. In contrast, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, providing a different type of auditory experience. However, both top housings deliver a satisfying sound when keys are released, albeit with distinct characteristics.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Laurel and the Mamba exhibit differences in their material composition. The Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that also produces a pleasing and unique sound, albeit with its own particular qualities. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will have a greater impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out, ensuring a distinct tactile experience for both keyboards.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Laurel and Mamba differ, it is worth noting that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom components of the switch. This means that while the sound and feel upon pressing down may differ due to the bottom housing, the sound profile when releasing a key will be predominantly influenced by the top housing. Despite these differences, both keyboards provide a satisfactory typing experience with their unique housing materials, allowing users to enjoy similar results in terms of overall keyboard performance and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force for the Laurel is 43 grams, while the exact actuation force for the Mamba is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Laurel is 50 grams, whereas the Mamba has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Laurel requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke and provides a relatively lighter typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Laurel suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback may opt for the Mamba. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from top to bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Laurel or the Mamba, you can expect similar results when it comes to the distance you feel while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel switch is best known for its subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed and released, it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as being thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Despite the differences in sound, both switches are likely to provide a pleasing auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as being snappy. This means that it is super responsive and provides a typing experience that feels more alive. The responsiveness of the Laurel switch can be attributed to features such as its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as being mild. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mamba switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its feel, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Laurel switch provides a snappy and responsive feel, while the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Laurel switch has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also offers a snappy and responsive feel, thanks to its unique design features. On the other hand, the Mamba switch has a neutral sound profile with thocky characteristics, producing a rich and satisfying sound. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle feel and smooth key travel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, it is important to consider personal factors such as choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also affect the overall sound and feel. Those looking for a low-pitched and snappy experience may prefer the Laurel switch, while those seeking a neutral sound with a mild and polished feel may opt for the Mamba switch. Regardless of choice, both switches are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch that strikes a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, then the KTT Laurel is the one for you. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch offers a snappy typing experience that is super responsive. Additionally, the Laurel has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba is a great choice. These Mamba switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, with a rich and creamy thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the Laurel and the Mamba depends on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch would be the best fit for you.
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