Durock Mamba vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Oreo. The Mamba, a linear switch, offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. It falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Oreo, a tactile switch, indulges your fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It is categorized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', and 'Stepped', offering a palatable medium-light tactility. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch has to offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Oreo differ significantly. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a pleasant and bright sound profile without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Oreo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. Therefore, while the Mamba provides a more balanced and muted sound, the Oreo offers a sharper and more defined sound quality.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Mamba utilizes a POM housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. This choice of material adds a unique touch to the switch's overall sound. Conversely, the Oreo features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Similar to the top housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Oreo's bottom housing enhances clarity and resonance. However, since the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, both the Mamba and the Oreo would still deliver a distinct tactile experience, albeit with different levels of depth and impact.

Considering the different housing materials used in the top and bottom housings of both switches, it is clear that each has its own set of advantages. Despite their differences, both the Mamba and the Oreo aim to create an enjoyable typing experience. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE brings a balanced and pleasant sound profile, while the Oreo's polycarbonate emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, depending on personal preference, both switches offer similar results in terms of comfort and responsiveness, making them suitable options for different typing styles and needs.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Mamba's exact measurement is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Oreo's 45 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium force range, suggesting that users can expect a comparable level of responsiveness for triggering keystrokes.

On the other hand, when looking at the bottom out force, the Mamba requires a slightly heavier 60 grams, while the Oreo sits at a lighter 55 grams. This means that the Mamba will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Oreo's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by users who value a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue.

It is worth noting that while the exact actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, the fact that both switches fall within the medium force range suggests that they will likely provide similar results in terms of actuation. However, for those specifically seeking a lighter or heavier typing experience, the difference in bottom out force between the two switches should be taken into consideration. Ultimately, the decision between the Mamba and Oreo will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired level of tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that the Mamba has a shorter distance of 3.5 mm, while the Oreo has a longer distance of 4 mm. The Mamba's travel distance falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize fast response times. On the other hand, the Oreo's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference - with the Mamba offering a more responsive feel and the Oreo providing a greater depth of travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, the Mamba is best described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user. It produces a satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed, giving a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Oreo switch has a unique "chirpy" sound with a subtle squeak, setting it apart from other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switch can be described as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Based on the available information, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich "thocky" sound, while the Oreo offers a crisp tactile bump and a subtle, mellow sound profile. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences. However, it's worth noting that subjective experiences may vary depending on individual preferences and the setup used. Overall, whether you choose the Mamba or the Oreo, you can expect quality switches that meet your desired sound and feel requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and quiet linear switch, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. The Mamba offers a neutral sound profile, producing a satisfying thocky sound when pressed. Its mild feel, combined with a polished finish, ensures a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the Everglide Oreo would be the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, you can enjoy a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo offers a subtle, mellow sound profile with a unique chirpy characteristic. Its accented feel provides a balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and the stepped design adds a touch of pre-travel and post-travel to the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and Everglide Oreo depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired sound and feel experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more