Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Durock Mamba is celebrated for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is a more understated option with a lack of specific characteristics highlighted. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Black remains unclassified. Choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Outemu Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the Black's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, contrasting with the Black's nylon bottom housing which produces a fuller and rounder sound.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Black differ, they each bring distinct qualities to the overall switch experience. The Mamba's unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a brighter sound profile, while the POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper tone. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Black enhances sharpness and clarity, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a rounder sound profile. These differences illustrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch will determine the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will impact the sound when releasing the key. Whether it's the unique blend of materials in the Mamba or the classic nylon and polycarbonate combination in the Black, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Outemu Black has a bottom out force of 82 grams, making the Outemu Black heavier. The actuation force of the Durock Mamba is not specified, while the Outemu Black has an actuation force of 65 grams. This means that the Outemu Black requires more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Durock Mamba. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Durock Mamba for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the heavier Outemu Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, we see a slight difference in the distance traveled by each switch. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mamba makes it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers who need quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Black may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Mamba will provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of keypress feel and response time.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is affected by multiple factors, including the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, with a gliding sensation that enhances the overall feel. Additionally, it is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. As for the Outemu Black linear switch, there is no information available regarding its feel qualities, making it challenging to compare directly with the Mamba in this regard.
Considering the information provided, the Durock Mamba linear switch stands out for its gliding typing sensation, rich sound profile, and refined finish. While the Outemu Black linear switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, both switches are linear switches, which means they offer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. You would want to choose the Durock Mamba if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, enjoy a gliding typing sensation, and appreciate a rich and creamy auditory experience. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile or a thocky sound, the Mamba would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, you would want to choose the Outemu Black if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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