Durock Mamba vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to find one that suits your typing style and preferences. Two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. The Mamba switches, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, offer a smooth gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switches from Durock showcase a unique flavor of tactility with a pronounced yet balanced feel, accompanied by a jelly-like sound. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of both switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Durock Medium Tactile switches differ significantly. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, while the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. These variations in materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's blend provides a pleasant sound that is bright but not overly sharp, offering a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound, which is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. Overall, both switches offer different auditory experiences, but each has its own merits depending on personal preferences.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Mamba incorporates a POM housing, which produces a deep and muted sound. This sound profile is particularly pleasing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and deeper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials gives each switch a distinct auditory characteristic, allowing users to choose between a quieter and more rounded sound or a fuller, deeper tone.

In conclusion, the Mamba and Medium Tactile switches differ in their housing materials, leading to unique sound profiles. The blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Mamba's top housing provides a pleasant and slightly brighter sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound, particularly suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In terms of the bottom housing, the POM material of the Mamba produces a muted and deep sound, appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile results in a fuller, deeper sound due to its ability to absorb more sound. While both switches offer distinct auditory qualities, users can choose between a brighter, sharper sound or a quieter, fuller tone based on their personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is worth noting that the actuation force for both switches is not available. However, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Medium Tactile has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy.

Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with a heavier force, providing a stronger push feel.

Although the actuation force for the switches is unknown, it can be assumed that they would provide similar results given that they both fall under the medium category for bottom out force. However, it is important to note that the Durock Medium Tactile switch would offer a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Mamba, as it has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams.

Travel distance

When it comes to travel distance, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a shorter distance compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance is considered to be the most traditional, while the 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, with shorter travel distances becoming more prevalent, gamers, in particular, prefer them for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Mamba with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth. In such cases, opting for the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. This means that whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you use these switches at home or work, the sound produced by the Mamba will be moderate and balanced. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has no specific description provided for its sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely dependent on the switch itself but also on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, the Mamba's neutral and thocky sound can be achieved with the Medium Tactile switch by using compatible components.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the typing sensation provided by these switches is gentle and approachable for most users. Additionally, the Mamba's polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides an accented tactility, which means it offers a noticeable but not overwhelming amount of tactility. This makes it a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent level of tactile feedback without being too subtle or aggressive. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is also described as having a mild and polished feel, which suggests a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Mamba linear switch excels in providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced level of tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Its accented tactility and mild, polished feel make it a suitable choice for those who prefer a noticeable tactile feedback without it being overwhelming. Although their subjective qualities differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preferences regarding the level of tactility and sound signature desired.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba is the perfect choice for you. It offers a rich and creamy auditory experience and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. It provides an accented tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more mild tactile experience. Additionally, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience due to their polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Mamba and the Durock Medium Tactile depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific characteristics you value in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more