Durock Mamba vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering its own unique qualities and characteristics. Two popular switches that stand out in their respective categories are the Durock Mamba and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Mamba is a linear switch that provides a smooth and gliding typing sensation, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Blueberry is a tactile switch renowned for its sharp tactile bump, which appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel. While both switches offer their own advantages, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
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 the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in terms of their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mamba utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This combination offers a pleasant and brighter sound profile, with its sound not being particularly sharp. In contrast, the Blueberry switch features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. While both switches offer unique and enjoyable sound profiles, the Mamba has a slightly brighter tone compared to the Blueberry.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Mamba and the Blueberry switches employ POM material. This POM bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, particularly influencing the deeper side of the sound. Additionally, it affects the tactile feedback and feel when the key is bottomed out. As a result, both switches share similarities in terms of sound and feel when pressed down. However, it's worth noting that the top housing of the switch has a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, offering a subtle but noticeable difference between the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and the Blueberry's POM top housing.
In conclusion, the distinct housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing results in a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile. Conversely, the Blueberry switch's POM top housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Both switches utilize POM in their bottom housing, offering similar experiences when pressing down on the switch. However, the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are clear differences that can impact typing preferences. The Mamba switch has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to determine its exact weight. However, its bottom out force is 60 grams, which falls in the medium range. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Mamba. However, its bottom out force is heavier at 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Mamba switch, with its potentially lighter actuation force, may be a suitable choice. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who prioritize a stronger push feel and enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the NovelKeys Blueberry switch. Despite its slightly lighter actuation force, the heavier bottom out force provides them with a more satisfying keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences. Both switches offer unique advantages and considerations regarding weight. However, if one desires similar results, such as a heavier typing experience, they may achieve them by choosing the NovelKeys Blueberry switch with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, we can see that the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Mamba with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, then the Blueberry with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on your personal preference for response time and depth of key presses.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
The Durock Mamba linear switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. It provides a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. Although it doesn't specifically mention being "thocky," the deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released suggests a similar result. In terms of feel, the Mamba provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The safe and middle-ground qualities of the switch make it approachable to most typists.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is best known for its sharp tactile bump, making it suitable for those who love a sharp typing feel. While the sound information is not explicitly mentioned for the Blueberry switch, it is described as having a lower-than-average sound frequency that is deeper than average but not "thocky." Therefore, it can be inferred that the Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile with a clean and sharp tone.
In terms of feel, the Blueberry switch offers a combination of snappy, buttery, and invigorating qualities. It is super responsive, providing a more alive typing experience due to longer or dual-staged springs. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience indicates a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It can also be inferred that the Blueberry switch provides a textured option, allowing for noticeable friction when pressed. With its pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, it creates an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, with a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished feel. The Blueberry switch, on the other hand, offers a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency with a clean and sharp tone. Its feel is snappy, buttery, and invigorating, with the option for a textured typing experience. Overall, while the switches differ in their specific qualities, they both provide enjoyable and satisfying experiences for typing enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a moderate bottom out force, the Durock Mamba is a great choice. It offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. The Mamba is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy tactile switch, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry is worth considering. It has a sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel. The Blueberry switch produces a lower-pitched sound, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Overall, the Mamba offers a mild and polished feel, while the Blueberry is known for being snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.
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