Durock Mamba vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mini i offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch known for its smooth gliding sensation and rich auditory experience, making it a satisfying choice for those who prefer a neutral and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that provides gentle tactility in each keystroke, striking a balance between feedback and a muted sound profile, ideal for office settings. While the Mamba offers a thocky feel, the Mini i is characterized by its bouncy and easy-to-press nature. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mini i switches both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing results in a brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp, while the Mini i's classic nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone due to its softer plastic composition. In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba's POM housing produces a relatively muted and deeper sound profile, while the Mini i's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound for a rounder tone.
The difference in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mini i switches influences the overall sound profile and typing experience for each switch. While both switches use nylon in their housing materials, the Mamba's unique blend with UHMWPE in the top housing creates a distinct sound profile that leans towards a brighter tone compared to the deeper sound of the Mini i's nylon housing. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba contributes to a more muted and deeper sound, contrasting with the fuller and rounder sound produced by the Mini i's nylon bottom housing. These differences in housing materials result in variations in the typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Although the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Gateron Mini i switches have distinct characteristics, both switches ultimately provide a pleasant typing experience with unique sound profiles. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE combines to offer a sound that is bright yet not sharp, while the Mini i's classic nylon housing results in a fuller and deeper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide quality sound and feel while typing. Whether choosing the Mamba with its unique blend or the Mini i with its classic nylon housing, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to their preferences.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium typing experience. In comparison, the Mini i requires 40 grams to actuate, which is on the lighter side, and 50 grams to bottom out. Some users may find the lighter actuation force of the Mini i more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Mamba for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Mini i for faster response times, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Mamba provides a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Mamba being slightly longer than the Mini i. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and response time.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, both the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Mini i switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate level of sound that is suitable for various environments, whether you are typing at home or in an office setting. The Mamba switch also features a thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction, resulting in smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities provide a responsive, low-impact typing feel that is comfortable and minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Mini i switch's lively and spring-like feedback gives users a rebound sensation when keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a thocky sound profile, the Mini i switch offers gentle tactility and a lightweight design suitable for quiet professional environments. Depending on whether you prefer a more polished and refined typing feel or a bouncy and responsive feedback, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the neutral sound profile of both switches makes them versatile options for various typing environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a gliding and creamy typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, opt for the Mamba switch, which offers a neutral to thocky sound profile and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback and a lightweight typing experience suitable for extended periods of use, the Mini i switch is the way to go. The Mini i offers a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your preferred typing style and environment.
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