Durock Mamba vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique features and qualities that make them stand out. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch that provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, perfect for those who prefer a neutral and mild typing experience with a thocky and polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is another linear switch known for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, utilizing POK in its stem to set it apart from other switches with conventional POM stems. It offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience. Both switches have their individual strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and KTT Miaowu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant, bright sound that is not too sharp, while the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu results in a fuller and rounder sound profile.
Although the Mamba and Miaowu use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both focus on providing unique sound experiences for users. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing offers a balanced and pleasant sound, while the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with distinct auditory experiences based on the materials used in their housings.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Mamba and KTT Miaowu ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing offers a pleasant and bright sound, while the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound. Similarly, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Whether you prefer a brighter or sharper sound profile, or are interested in the visual appeal of RGB lighting, both switches offer unique housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light in comparison to the Miaowu, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. On the other hand, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the Miaowu's 50 grams. This means that while the Miaowu requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke, the Mamba provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Miaowu, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel and a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent typing experiences with both switches in terms of how far the keys travel when pressed. With the travel distance being the same for both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and overall typing experience.
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 KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 comparing the sound of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, the Mamba is known for its neutral and thocky sound profile, offering a moderate and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Miaowu is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can cater to different preferences depending on the user's preference for a deeper thud or a crisper sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Mamba provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Miaowu is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively keys that rebound when pressed. While the Mamba offers a safe and approachable typing experience in the middle ground, the Miaowu provides a more dynamic and responsive feel with its bouncy characteristics.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Mamba and the KTT Miaowu switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience with a neutral and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel. In comparison, the Miaowu leverages enhanced stem stability and POK in its stem for a smoother keystroke action, coupled with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Mamba with 60 grams may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Miaowu with 50 grams may be more suitable. Additionally, consider the typing experience you're looking for - the Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, while the Miaowu provides enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action. Lastly, keep in mind the sound and feel characteristics you prefer - the Mamba has a neutral or thocky sound profile and a mild, polished feel, while the Miaowu has a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
