Durock Mamba vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Orange. The Durock Mamba switches, renowned for their homage to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, provide a smooth, gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich, creamy auditory feedback that many find satisfying and enjoyable. With their neutral and mildly thocky characteristics, they cater to users who appreciate both performance and a pleasant sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are an upgraded revival of the original MX Orange, enriched through the MX2A generation enhancements, appealing to those who seek reliability and distinctive tactile feedback for a balanced typing experience. While both switches are linear options, each offers unique attributes that cater to different preferences in feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Orange switches, we notice both similarities and differences in their design that influence overall performance and sound profiles. The Durock Mamba features a top housing made from a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which contributes to a sound profile that is bright yet pleasant. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a classic nylon for its top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound that is more muted due to nylon’s softer nature. This divergence in materials suggests that while both switches aim to provide a captivating auditory experience, the Mamba’s blend is designed to deliver a crisper sound, whereas the MX Orange focuses on a rounded, luxurious auditory range.

The bottom housing of these switches further highlights the differences in their material choices. The Durock Mamba employs POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that leans toward the deeper end, generating a feeling of muted resonance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange also features nylon as its bottom housing material, mirroring the same softer qualities that contribute to its rich and rounded sound. This similarity indicates that both switches strive for a satisfying typing experience; however, the Mamba achieves this with a different approach through the use of POM, setting it apart in terms of how the bottom-out sound feels compared to the MX Orange's completely nylon construction.

In practical terms, the effect of the differing materials means that both switches can produce enjoyable sound profiles, albeit through different mechanisms. The Mamba, with its blend of nylon and UHMWPE for the top and POM for the bottom, will highlight a contrasting feel and auditory response, whereas the MX Orange keeps a consistent theme with nylon throughout both housings, resulting in its signature roundness in sound. Thus, while users may experience distinct sound characteristics when typing, both switches intend to provide quality tactile feedback and auditory pleasure, allowing individuals to choose according to their preferences for key feel and sound aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we see distinct differences. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance felt when fully pressing the key, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch boasts a defined actuation force of 55 grams, allowing for a relatively lighter keystroke trigger, although its bottom out force remains unspecified. Given that the actuation force of the Mamba is not provided, it makes a direct comparison challenging. However, many users may find the Cherry MX Orange to be the lighter option based on its known actuation force, potentially making it preferable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier feel of the Durock Mamba's bottom out force might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Without both actuation forces available, one cannot definitively conclude how their overall experience compares in terms of lightness or heaviness.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Orange boasts a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that for gamers or users who prioritize quick response times and a more responsive feel, the Mamba may be the preferable choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange's longer travel distance can provide a more traditional tactile experience that some users might find more satisfying, offering a sense of depth with each key press. Ultimately, the Mamba’s shorter travel distance makes it more suitable for fast-paced gaming, whereas the MX Orange might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced switch actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch delivers a rich auditory experience that is both thocky and moderate in volume. It produces a deep, satisfying sound when pressed, akin to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud." This thocky profile not only contributes to a pleasurable typing experience but also fits comfortably within a neutral range, making it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, there is no specific sound profile detailed for the Cherry MX Orange switch, leaving its auditory characteristics less defined. It's important to consider that the overall sound of any mechanical switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switches provide a mild and polished experience. The mild characteristics offer a gentle typing sensation, making them approachable for users of varying skill levels. Combined with a polished finish, these switches ensure smooth key travel and reduced friction, creating a refined typing experience that is pleasing and satisfying. The feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch is not elaborated upon in the information provided, which makes it difficult to gauge how it would compare against the Mamba in terms of touch and tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the Durock Mamba linear switch stands out for its thocky sound and polished, mild feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks specific qualities to allow for a direct comparison in sound and feel. If you prefer a switch that offers a delightful auditory experience along with a smooth typing comfort, the Mamba would be the better choice. However, if the MX Orange switches align more closely with your needs, you might still achieve a decent typing experience, but with less clarity on their auditory and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a smooth and refined typing experience, coupled with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Mamba would be an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced actuation that many users find comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for both gaming and office environments. The switch's tribute to Kobe Bryant adds a unique touch for those who value personal stories behind their gear. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the heritage of the original MX Orange switches and seek a switch that meets the demands of contemporary usage while retaining a nostalgic feel, opting for the MX Orange could be more fitting. While its exact bottom-out force remains unknown, the MX Orange is designed to deliver a solid typing experience, enhanced by the MX2A generation enhancements. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the refined sound and feel of the Mamba or the storied legacy of the MX Orange, both options will serve you well in different contexts.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more