Durock Mamba vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, one can find distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch that provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie, also a linear switch, is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Nixie falls into the categories of 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Cherry Nixie switches both offer unique sound profiles, but they differ in composition and resulting sound characteristics. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a bright and pleasant sound that is not particularly sharp, while the Nixie's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In terms of bottom housing, the Mamba's POM material produces a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Nixie's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Cherry Nixie switches both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Mamba's top housing offers a distinctive and bright sound, while the Nixie's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba creates a unique and pleasing deeper sound, while the Nixie's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound overall.
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Cherry Nixie switches, it is clear that each material brings its own unique characteristics to the sound profile of the switches. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing creates a bright and pleasant sound, while the Nixie's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. The differences in bottom housing materials also contribute to the overall sound profile, with the POM bottom housing of the Mamba producing a deeper and muted sound, and the Nixie's nylon bottom housing creating a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the specific sound characteristics desired by the user.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch to the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are noticeable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, requiring a moderate amount of force for key activation, and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Durock Mamba is lighter due to its lack of actuation force, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter keystrokes are preferred. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie is heavier overall, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more forceful and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Nixie's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience. With the Mamba having a shorter travel distance, it may provide a quicker typing experience while the Nixie with a longer travel distance may offer a more deliberate and satisfying key press. Both switches offer a unique feel, so users can expect different results based on their preference for 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can be further influenced by factors such as keycaps and keyboard construction.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth feel during use. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as textured, meaning it may have noticeable friction when pressed. This difference in feel can cater to different preferences, with the Mamba switch falling in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback while the Nixie switch offers a more pronounced texture for those who prefer it.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba and Cherry Nixie linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Mamba switch offers a neutral and polished experience, the Nixie switch provides a more thocky and textured feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation with a neutral or thocky sound profile, the Mamba switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing experience with a thocky or low-pitched sound profile, the Nixie switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value the most.
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