Durock Mamba vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mars both offer exceptional linear experiences, yet they cater to different preferences and styles of typing. The Durock Mamba stands out for its tribute to Kobe Bryant, delivering a smooth gliding sensation that enhances typing comfort, accompanied by a rich, creamy auditory feedback. Categorized as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Thocky,' and 'Polished,' the Mamba is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle yet satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars presents an innovative design, utilizing a unique POK stem and a nylon-POM blend housing, which promises durability and performance. While the specifics of its categorization may not be highlighted, the Mars is engineered to offer a distinct typing experience that could attract those seeking a reliable and modern switch. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches might hinge on your typing style and sound preference; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mars switches reveal distinctive characteristics that influence their sound profiles. The Mamba features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound that is brighter yet pleasantly rounded without sharp edges. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes classic nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material properties highlights how the Mamba's mix of polymers allows for a more refined auditory experience, while the Mars’s nylon contributes to a traditional sound that many users may find familiar and comforting.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the comparison becomes even more interesting. Both the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mars employ POM material for their bottom housings, which creates a muted yet pleasing sound profile that is distinctly deeper in tone. This shared choice of POM indicates that when the switches are in use, the bottom-out sound quality will remain fairly comparable between the two models. The sound produced at the bottom of the actuation will invoke a sense of consistency in auditory feedback, regardless of the different top housing effects, thereby enabling users to achieve similar results regarding the overall sound when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in a rich and varied typing experience. While the Mamba's unique polymer blend in the top housing brings an innovative sound profile that contrasts with the deep fullness of the Mars's classic nylon, the POM bottoms offer a common ground for sound muting. Consequently, users who appreciate the different tonal qualities of each switch will enjoy variations in the sound while still experiencing a harmonious bottom-out feel. The interaction of the distinct top and bottom materials ultimately enhances the versatility of both switches, allowing typists to tailor their preferred sound profile according to their individual tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Mamba's actuation force is unspecified, while its bottom out force measures 60 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unknown, preventing a full comparison in that area. Users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might favor the Gateron Mars, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feedback may appreciate the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences regarding actuation and the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the Mamba features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars offers a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mamba is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Mars, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may offer a more substantial typing experience, which some users might prefer over the more abrupt feel of shorter distances. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in the key press.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 considering the sound profile of the Durock Mamba linear switch, it provides a neutral and thocky auditory experience. The neutral aspect ensures that the switch has a moderate actuation force and an equally moderate sound level, making it versatile for both beginners and seasoned typists alike, while the thocky quality delivers a deep, rich sound upon keypress, reminiscent of a soft knock. Conversely, there is limited information regarding the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch. While they may have a unique auditory quality stemming from their innovative design, the specifics remain unknown, leaving some ambiguity in comparison.
In terms of feel, the Mamba switch shines with its mild and polished characteristics. The mild feel brings a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for a broad spectrum of users, while the polished nature indicates that the switch offers smooth and refined key travel, likely enhanced by quality materials or lubing. Conversely, the details regarding the tactile feel of the Mars switch are not provided, which means that its typing experience remains uncertain without further information.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch is characterized by its rich auditory experience and smooth typing feel, making it a solid choice for many users. Without known qualitative details for the Gateron Mars switch, it becomes challenging to draw direct comparisons, but it's essential to note that both switches are designed with user comfort in mind. As such, if you're after a more definitive choice for your mechanical keyboard, the Mamba is a reliable option, while the Mars could also hold potential depending on undisclosed qualities that may appeal to specific preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mars linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a rich, creamy auditory experience coupled with a smooth typing sensation, the Durock Mamba switches are likely the better choice for you. Their "thocky" sound profile and mild feel provide an enjoyable typing experience that caters to both beginners and seasoned typists alike, making them suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you're looking for something unique in both design and performance, you may want to consider the Gateron Mars switches. While the specifics of their sound and feel are less defined, their innovative POK stem and hybrid housing indicate a modern approach to linear switch design. Ultimately, if you value a switch that emphasizes a balanced experience with accessible characteristics, lean towards the Durock Mamba, but if you’re inclined toward experimenting with new technologies and a potentially distinct feel, the Gateron Mars could be worth a try.
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