Durock Mamba vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Black both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mamba switches, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, provide a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, giving users a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switches, perfected by Cherry, offer a textured smoothness with a deep sound profile, allowing for a more classic and tactile typing experience. The Mamba switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', while the MX Black switches are categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which gives it a unique and pleasant sound profile that is on the brighter side. In comparison, the MX Black switch uses a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Mamba's blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material, which contributes to a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. The MX Black, again using nylon as its material, creates a similar deep and fuller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed.
Although the housing materials of the Mamba and the MX Black differ, they share some similarities. Both switches utilize nylon as their top housing material, albeit in different blends. This results in the MX Black switch having a deeper and fuller sound, while the Mamba offers a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but still on the brighter side. Additionally, the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housing materials further enhances the deep sound profiles they both possess.
In conclusion, while the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in their housing materials, they both provide unique and pleasing sound profiles. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a brighter sound while the MX Black's nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, their bottom housings, with the Mamba using POM and the MX Black using nylon, contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinctive and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Mamba switch is currently unknown, while the MX Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Mamba switch requires 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the MX Black switch has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams.
Considering weight, individuals may have different preferences based on their typing needs. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Mamba switch may be ideal as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This lighter weight is especially beneficial for those using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience and opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the MX Black switch would be a suitable choice, as its actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams provide a stronger push feel.
Although the actuation force of the Durock Mamba switch is currently unavailable, the similar actuation force of the Cherry MX Black switch means that both switches would likely provide comparable results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, it should be noted that the MX Black switch is ultimately heavier in terms of bottoming out, making it the heavier option overall.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Black has the more traditional travel distance, while the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, who value faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Mamba a popular choice. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance offered by the MX Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one values responsiveness or a deeper key press.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba switches have a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means they produce a satisfying, deep "thocky" sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, but the Mamba switches may offer a richer and creamier sound, while the MX Black switches offer a deeper sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switches offer a mild typing experience with a gliding sensation. Their polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes them approachable to most users, as they fall in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of key characteristics. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are described as textured and might have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches have a slightly stiffer feel, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
Based on the available information, the Durock Mamba linear switches and the Cherry MX Black linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Mamba switches provide a rich and creamy auditory experience with a gliding typing sensation, while the MX Black switches offer a familiar deep sound profile with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. The Mamba switches have a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience, while the MX Black switches might have a noticeable texture and require more force to actuate. Both switches have their own strengths and can provide enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch is an excellent choice for you. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making it suitable for most purposes and providing a gentle typing experience. Additionally, its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the way to go. With its classic textured smoothness and familiar deep sound profile, you'll enjoy a different typing experience. However, keep in mind that the MX Black switch has a stiffer feel and noticeable friction when pressed, which may not be preferred by users who prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and typing style.
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