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Durock Mamba vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can greatly influence your overall typing experience. The Durock Mamba, a tribute to Kobe Bryant, is celebrated for its smooth linear action, providing a gliding typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. Its rich and creamy auditory feedback, characterized by a 'thocky' sound profile, creates a pleasant acoustic environment for typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a tactile experience defined by a short bump, offering medium resistance that engages typists through both touch and sound. This refined feedback can enhance accuracy and aid in typing rhythm, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more interactive experience. Each switch presents unique advantages: the Mamba for those seeking a silky-smooth keystroke, and the MX Purple for tactile feedback aficionados. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

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

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, notable distinctions emerge in their compositions. The Mamba features a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which results in a unique acoustic profile. This blend produces a sound that is described as pleasant, with a slightly brighter quality, albeit not overly sharp. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs classic nylon for its top housing, which is identified for offering a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, yielding a more muted auditory experience. While both switches utilize materials that influence sound, the Mamba's hybrid housing provides a distinct vibrancy compared to the more traditional, rounded sound of the MX Purple RGB.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a further layer of contrast. The Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing, renowned for generating a pleasing and deeper sound profile that leans towards a more muted quality. This is particularly effective in influencing the bottoming-out sound and feel, as the POM material’s characteristics provide a solid foundation for the overall auditory experience. On the other hand, the MX Purple RGB maintains a nylon bottom housing, mirroring its top counterpart. Like the top housing, the nylon bottom contributes a fuller sound profile, which aligns with its reputation for absorbing sound adequately. Despite sharing similar characteristics in terms of sound absorption, but given the differences in material, the Mamba's POM bottom housing can create a more distinct acoustic experience than the nylon utilized in the MX Purple RGB.

In essence, while both the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exhibit qualities influenced by their housing materials, the specific combinations yield nuanced differences in sound profiles. The Mamba's polymer and UHMWPE blend, combined with the POM bottom, establishes a brighter and more muted auditory experience, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB's dual nylon composition affords a deeper, rounder sound. Those who wish to achieve similar auditory outcomes may find it beneficial to explore the effects of varying housing materials, as the characteristics of each offering will invariably shape the tactile and acoustic feedback provided by the switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two options will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel when typing or gaming.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch to the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user preference based on typing experience. The Mamba's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-pressure switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch for the user, while its bottom out force remains unknown. The lighter actuation force of the MX Purple may appeal to those who prioritize extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the Mamba might offer users a more substantive feel when bottoming out, favorable for those who enjoy a solid typing experience. Given these factors, users seeking a keyboard that feels light and responsive may lean towards the Cherry MX Purple, while those preferring a sturdier push should consider the Durock Mamba.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, it becomes evident that there is a notable difference between the two. The Durock Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Mamba the shorter option, which can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth during typing, providing a tactile feedback that some find more satisfying. In summary, for those who favor a more rapid typing experience, the Durock Mamba is the preferable choice, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more substantial feel.

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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.

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 linear switches deliver a unique auditory experience characterized by a thocky profile, meaning they provide a deep, rich sound akin to a soft "knock" or "thud" when actuated. This creates a pleasant auditory feedback that many users find satisfying, making them suitable for both home and work environments. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's sound profile remains unlisted, which suggests that it may align with more typical tactile switches, primarily focusing on the feel rather than clearly defined auditory feedback. Thus, the auditory experience of the Mamba stands out, while the MX Purple RGB may offer a more traditional yet less emphasized sound.

In terms of feel, the Mamba switches are noted for their mild and polished characteristics. The mild nature means that users can expect a gentle and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The polished aspect indicates a smooth feel due to reduced friction, whether from quality materials or factory lubing, which enhances the overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, while not explicitly detailed, is known for a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump, which likely provides a different, more pronounced feedback upon key press compared to the smoothness of the Mamba. Thus, the Mamba's polished feel may appeal to those seeking a smooth glide, whereas the MX Purple RGB may attract users looking for that tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while both the Durock Mamba linear switch and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch offer unique qualities, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Mamba is celebrated for its thocky sound and smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback with less effort, while the MX Purple RGB focuses on a tactile bump that enhances feedback for those who prioritize feeling the actuation. Users may find that the Mamba's engaging auditory experience makes it more versatile for various settings, while the MX Purple RGB might be better suited to those who prefer the nostalgic clickiness of traditional tactile switches. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile stimulation during typing.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smooth, gliding typing experience and enjoy a rich auditory feedback, the Mamba is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams complements its mildly tactile nature, providing a comfortable feel that's ideal for both typing and gaming. The sound profile, characterized by its thocky quality, is particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a deep and resonant keypress. On the other hand, if you want a more tactile sensation with a distinct bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be more suitable for you. This switch is engineered for enthusiasts who crave a refined tactile feedback, making it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy the feeling of feedback with each keystroke. While the force specification may be unknown, the reputation of Cherry MX tends to ensure a reliable performance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you like to interact with your keyboard: smooth and gliding motions with the Durock Mamba or a more tactile experience with the Cherry MX Purple RGB.

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