Durock Mamba vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences and needs. The Mamba is praised for its smooth gliding typing experience and rich auditory feedback, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more neutral and mild typing feel. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast response time and low spring resistance, catering to gamers who require instantaneous key presses for competitive gaming. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Speed Silver both have their unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing offers a pleasant and brighter sound profile, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing feel, with the Mamba offering a slightly sharper sound compared to the rounder sound produced by the MX Speed Silver.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Mamba's POM material creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the MX Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. While both bottom housings offer a deep sound profile, the Mamba's POM material may provide a slightly more muted sound compared to the duller sound produced by the MX Speed Silver's nylon material. This difference in sound can affect the overall typing experience, with the Mamba potentially offering a quieter bottom-out sound compared to the MX Speed Silver.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Speed Silver can result in varying sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches use nylon in their top housing, the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Mamba offers a brighter sound profile compared to the fuller sound produced by the MX Speed Silver. Similarly, the differences in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. Understanding these differences can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force vary between the two. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Speed Silver for its lower actuation force, which can lead to less fatigue during extended use. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Durock Mamba’s higher bottom out force may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different strengths in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances like those found in these switches for faster response times. The slightly longer travel distance of the Mamba may provide a slightly more substantial key press compared to the MX Speed Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference - those seeking a quicker response may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Durock Mamba.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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, both the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches offer a thocky and satisfying auditory experience. The Mamba switch, known for its neutral sound profile, provides a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing needs. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch's low-pitched sound adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to key presses. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by gentle keypresses and smooth key travel. These qualities make it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction during typing. While some users may prefer this tactile feedback, others may prefer a smoother and more friction-free typing experience.
Given the information provided, both the Durock Mamba and Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience of the Mamba switch or the rapid response and textured feel of the MX Speed Silver switch. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and intended use. If you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Mamba switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver switch with its low spring resistance and rapid triggering capability would be ideal. Both switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, so consider what qualities are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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