Durock Mamba vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and TTC Neptune are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Mamba features a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, while the TTC Neptune boasts an innovative internal structure that merges a smooth, frictionless glide with a springy resistance, resulting in a unique "matte" feel with every keystroke. The Mamba is known for its neutral, mild, and thocky characteristics, while the Neptune offers a buttery, gummy, and low-pitched typing experience. If you're seeking a polished and subdued auditory ambiance, the Mamba might be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a textured pleasure and ultralight, swift typing experience, the Neptune could be the ideal switch. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and TTC Neptune switches bring unique characteristics to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a pleasant and brighter sound profile, while the Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches have differences with the Mamba's POM bottom housing offering a deeper sound profile similar to the Neptune's POM top housing, while the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness.
While the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and TTC Neptune switches vary in terms of sound profiles, they both provide unique and pleasing experiences. The Mamba's blend top housing offers a brighter sound, while the Neptune's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, both switches utilize POM in their bottom housing, creating a consistent deeper sound profile. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune, with its stiffness, contributes to a sharper and clearer sound compared to the Mamba.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and TTC Neptune switches result in distinct sound profiles and feels when typing. The top housing material affects the sound when pressing and releasing a key, with the Mamba's blend offering a brighter sound compared to the Neptune's POM which provides a deeper tone. On the other hand, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the Mamba's POM bottom housing matching the Neptune's POM top housing in creating a deeper sound profile. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a lighter actuation force compared to the Neptune. The Mamba requires None grams of force to actuate, while the Neptune needs 41 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mamba is heavier, requiring 60 grams compared to the Neptune's 50 grams. This means that the Mamba offers a lighter initial touch for typing, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions, while the Neptune provides a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the Mamba leaning towards a lighter touch and the Neptune offering a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Mamba offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Neptune. If you prioritize a faster, more responsive keystroke, the Mamba may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in your keystrokes, the Neptune with its slightly longer travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on your personal typing style and comfort level.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound, enhancing its refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Mamba being more versatile and the Neptune offering a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch offers a buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches excel in providing comfortable and satisfying typing experiences, with the Mamba being more middle-ground and the Neptune offering a more fluid and seamless feel.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the Durock Mamba and TTC Neptune linear switches offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a more versatile and neutral sound and feel profile, suitable for various users and environments, the Neptune stands out with its low-pitched, muted sound, and buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel that enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options promising an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a thocky sound profile, the Mamba may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a buttery, frictionless feel with a subdued, low-pitched sound, the Neptune could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you value typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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