Durock Mamba vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Meteor Orange. The Mamba is a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience reminiscent of a gliding sensation, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange is a tactile switch known for its exquisite gentleness. Typing on these switches provides a soft and seductive tactility, complemented by a neutral sound profile. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Mamba's top housing is a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is bright and pleasant. In contrast, the Meteor Orange utilizes a classic nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. Both materials offer distinct sound profiles, with the Mamba leaning towards a brighter tone while the Meteor Orange produces a duller and rounder sound.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and relatively muted sound. This provides a unique and pleasing audio experience. Similarly, the Meteor Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, which also offers a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

Although the housing materials for the top and bottom housings differ between the Mamba and the Meteor Orange, they both contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slightly distinct characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific actuation forces are not available. However, it can be observed that both switches fall into the medium range for their bottom out forces. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Meteor Orange has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.

Considering the weight of the switches, the Mamba is comparatively heavier due to its bottom out force. This heavier weight can offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. It may be suitable for those seeking a satisfying and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch provides a slightly lighter bottom out force, making it more favorable for users who desire a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight could be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it may offer increased comfort and reduced fatigue.

While the specific actuation forces are unknown, it is worth mentioning that if the actuation forces of the two switches were the same, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force, which measures the force required to fully press down the switch, does differ between the two. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor Orange. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, opting for the Mamba with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial press, the longer travel distance of 4 mm offered by the Meteor Orange may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound when pressed and released, which makes them suitable for most typing purposes. However, they both also have the potential to produce a deep and satisfying sound, known as "thocky," giving a rich auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a gentle typing experience. They fall into the category of mild switches, which means they provide a more approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used in construction or enhanced by factory lubing. Ultimately, this leads to reduced friction and seamless key travel.

Considering the available information, it is apparent that the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch share similar qualities in both sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing purposes, and can produce a rich and satisfying "thocky" sound. Additionally, they provide a gentle typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth and effortless key travel. As a result, choosing either switch would likely yield comparable results in terms of subjective experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba would be an excellent choice. Its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience make it enjoyable to type on. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange is the way to go. Its soft and seductive tactility, coupled with a neutral sound profile, creates a gentle typing experience. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether you plan to use them at home or work. Furthermore, they share the quality of providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to their polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and SP-Star Meteor Orange depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific level of bottom out force you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more