Durock Mamba vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, and the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch. The Mamba switch is praised for its smooth and seamless typing experience, accompanied by a satisfyingly rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Melodic switch from Gateron offers a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback while also ensuring a smooth typing experience thanks to factory lubing and dual-railed stems. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeals - the Mamba for its 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished' attributes and the Melodic for its 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy' characteristics. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Gateron Melodic both use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound, while the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in material leads to a varied auditory experience when typing on each switch. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Melodic allows for a visually striking appearance, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes POM which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, whereas the Melodic uses nylon for a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nylon material in the Melodic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the Mamba's POM. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, with the Mamba offering a deeper sound and the Melodic providing a fuller sound profile. This shows that even within the same switch, the choice of housing material can significantly impact sound and feel.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can affect sound quality. While the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a unique sound profile that leans towards brightness, the Melodic's use of polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing provides a more muted sound, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of None grams. However, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Melodic also has a bottom out force of 60 grams. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of None grams for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of 60 grams for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar actuation force and bottom out force, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Melodic has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mamba. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Mamba a good choice for those looking for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Melodic's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique benefits, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 and the Gateron Melodic offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Melodic produces a resonant and crunchy sound, with a higher-pitched and sharp profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the sound produced by these switches will vary in terms of tone and volume.
Moving on to feel, the Mamba and the Melodic switches also diverge in their tactile feedback and typing experience. The Mamba offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Melodic delivers a buttery and invigorating feel, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more gentle typing experience or a more immersive and reactive feel, your choice between these switches will heavily rely on personal preference.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Melodic delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel. Depending on your preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and typing experience, either switch can offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel or a more pronounced and immersive tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force, the Durock Mamba linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immersive and clicky typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and crisp tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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