Durock Mamba vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options to consider. The Durock Mamba, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and effortless typing experience along with a satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, also a linear switch, offers a similar typing experience to its non-silent counterpart but with a quieter sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches fall under the linear category, the Durock Mamba is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', while the Cherry MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Silent Red switches both play a significant role in the sound profile they produce. The Mamba's unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a brighter sound that is not particularly sharp, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The Mamba's POM bottom housing results in a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and duller sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences.
In terms of material composition, the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing stands out for its unique characteristics compared to the more traditional nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red. The Mamba's top housing results in a sound profile that is on the brighter side, while the Silent Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper overall sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, albeit with each offering a slightly different sound profile. The Mamba's POM bottom housing is described as creating a more muted sound, whereas the MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound experience.
It is interesting to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch each play a distinct role in the overall sound profile. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it be POM or nylon, has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. In contrast, the top housing material influences the sound produced when the key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Silent Red, they both offer a unique typing experience that can cater to varying preferences in terms of sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force of the Durock Mamba linear switch is None grams, meaning it is unknown, while the actuation force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is 45 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Durock Mamba is 60 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red is unknown. This means that the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Durock Mamba, but the bottom out force is unknown for the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. When comparing the two, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who prefer a medium bottom out force may lean towards the Durock Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Mamba for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users, as they both offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, making it ideal for noise-sensitive settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. While both switches offer a thocky sound, the MX Silent Red stands out for its emphasis on reducing noise levels.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit of friction in their typing experience. While the Mamba focuses on a smoother and polished feel, the MX Silent Red offers a unique textured sensation that some users may find appealing.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provide distinct experiences in sound and feel. The Mamba offers a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, while the MX Silent Red delivers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound with a textured typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer quality linear typing experiences, but the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a bit of texture, the Cherry MX Silent Red may be the better option, while the Durock Mamba provides a smoother and more traditional linear typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Durock Mamba if you value a medium bottom out force, a gliding typing sensation, and a rich auditory experience. This switch is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a neutral or thocky sound profile and enjoy a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, select the Cherry MX Silent Red if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force that operates silently. This switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments and offers a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. Keep these factors in mind when making your decision on which switch best suits your preferences and needs.
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