Durock Mamba vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and Dareu Master mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, one can notice distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Mamba, with its tribute to Kobe Bryant, offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, falling under categories such as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Dareu Master provides users with a medium weight and classic clacky sound signature, as well as exceptional smoothness, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these two switches may depend on personal preference and typing style; 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Master switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which results in a brighter sound profile that is not overly sharp. In contrast, the Master uses POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches provide a pleasant and unique sound experience, but the Mamba leans towards a brighter tone, while the Master produces a deeper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Mamba and the Master switches use POM material. This choice of material contributes to a pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted for both switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the Mamba and the Master may still offer slightly different typing experiences based on other factors such as stem material and spring weight.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Master switches utilize POM for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housing materials create distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend result in a brighter sound compared to the Master's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience may still be similar due to the shared bottom housing material. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Master linear switches, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Master has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Mamba requires more force to fully press down the key, while the Master requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Therefore, the Master can be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Mamba provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for quicker key presses during intense gaming sessions. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Master switch to feel too abrupt, preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Mamba switch for a more satisfying key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral profile, making it versatile for various typing scenarios. The switch provides a thocky sound, which delivers a deep and satisfying auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and percussive sound with each key press. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound would depend on personal preference, with the Mamba offering a more moderate and satisfying tone, while the Master provides a crisp and bright sound.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Mamba and Dareu Master linear switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle and approachable feel with these switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. The similarities in feel between the two switches suggest that users can expect a consistent level of comfort and ease of use regardless of their choice.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer distinct sound profiles while providing a similar mild and polished typing experience. Whether users prefer a thocky and neutral sound or a clacky and sharp sound, both switches deliver a smooth and refined feel that enhances typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and typing experience, but users can expect high-quality performance from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider the Mamba if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience. On the other hand, opt for the Master if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and enjoy a classic clacky sound signature with exceptional smoothness in operation. Both switches offer a similar mild and polished feel, but the Mamba provides a neutral or thocky sound profile, while the Master offers a clacky sound. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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