KTT Mallo vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch with the Durock Mamba linear switch, it's evident that both have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is characterized by its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, offering a balanced experience for typists who enjoy gentle feedback without overwhelming sensations. On the other hand, the Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, providing a polished feel for users who appreciate a smooth linear switch. While both switches have their strengths, the Mallo is ideal for those seeking a versatile and subdued typing experience, while the Mamba is a great choice for individuals who prioritize a creamy and thocky typing feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the Durock Mamba both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Mallo featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and a POM bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Mamba's Polymer blend top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound profile, giving users a unique typing experience that is not overly sharp.
While the Mallo's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a more muted and deep sound, resulting in a different typing experience compared to the Mallo. The absorption of sound by the nylon bottom housing of the Mallo leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing, giving users a softer typing experience overall. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba creates a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted, providing users with a unique and pleasing typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Durock Mamba contribute significantly to the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a clear and resonant sound profile with a deeper typing experience, the Mamba's Polymer blend top housing and POM bottom housing provide a brighter sound profile with a unique and deep typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches can offer similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience due to the craftsmanship and attention to detail put into their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Mallo requires a lighter touch for actuation with None grams compared to the Mamba's None grams. However, the bottom out force of the Mallo is 55 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Mamba's 60 grams. This means that the Mallo will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a slightly heavier feel, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key press. Both switches offer a medium to medium-light feel overall, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces may make a noticeable impact depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances, with the Mallo having a travel distance of 4 mm and the Mamba having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Mallo's 4 mm distance is longer than the Mamba's 3.5 mm distance, making the Mallo the longer travel option. The Mallo's longer travel distance may provide a deeper feel when typing, while the Mamba's shorter travel distance may offer a more responsive typing experience, which is ideal for gamers or those looking for quicker responses. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Mallo offering a deeper press and the Mamba providing a quicker response time. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a longer, more tactile feel or a shorter, more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 Mallo and Durock Mamba switches both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Mallo is noted for its subdued sound, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches, while the Mamba is described as having a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the Mallo being more on the subdued side and the Mamba offering a rich and creamy sound.
In terms of feel, the Mallo is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force for reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mamba provides a mild and polished feel, resulting in a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Mallo leaning towards a feathery and mild feel and the Mamba providing a polished and refined sensation.
Overall, while the KTT Mallo and Durock Mamba switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide a versatile and satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a more subtle and subdued sound with a feathery typing feel like the Mallo, or a rich thocky sound with a polished typing experience like the Mamba, you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance from these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a light and subtly tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and linear typing sensation with a thocky sound profile, the Mamba could be the switch for you. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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