Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Mamba and Outemu Blue present two distinctly different typing experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Durock Mamba is celebrated for its linear design, delivering a smooth gliding sensation that many typists appreciate, coupled with a rich and creamy auditory feedback, reminiscent of the legendary Kobe Bryant—a fitting tribute to his legacy. Its classification as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Thocky,' and 'Polished' suggests that it aims to balance performance with comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch offers a clicky typing experience that many gamers and typists enjoy for its tactile feedback, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, particularly for those who favor a more pronounced auditory cue. While the Mamba is ideal for users seeking a quieter, fluid typing experience, the Blue caters to individuals who thrive on sound and tactile responses while typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Blue switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which ultimately influence their sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Mamba employs a unique polymer blend of nylon and UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is brighter yet pleasant and not overly sharp. In contrast, the Outemu Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The intrinsic stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making it a favored choice for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback, particularly when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucency.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts between the two switches. The Mamba features a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound, known for its pleasing and unique audio characteristics. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue showcases a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that is celebrated for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile and absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. This fundamental difference means that while both switches provide pleasing sound experiences, the Mamba leans toward a more balanced auditory feel, whereas the Blue emphasizes pronounced clarity and brilliance.
Despite their varying materials, both the Durock Mamba and Outemu Blue can still yield similar tactile and auditory experiences due to the fundamental design of their switches. Each switch’s performance is primarily influenced by the combination of top and bottom housing characteristics; therefore, even with differing materials, switch users can expect a unique sound profile that aligns with their preferences. The interaction of the materials within each housing will contribute to the overall typing experience—where the Mamba offers a brighter release sound, the Blue enhances the bottom-out feedback, allowing users to tailor their preferences based on the specific attributes of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we see a clear distinction in their actuation forces. The Mamba's actuation force is unknown, while the Blue switch requires 50 grams of force to actuate. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Mamba is 60 grams, indicating that it provides a moderately weighted feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is not available, making it difficult to determine how it compares in that aspect. However, we can infer that while the Durock Mamba may feel heavier in terms of bottoming out due to its 60 grams force, the Outemu Blue will feel lighter when it comes to actuation because it requires just 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This difference means that the Mamba might suit those who prefer a heftier typing experience, while the Outemu Blue may appeal to users looking for a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there is a noticeable difference; the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blue features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mamba offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive and favored by gamers looking for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Blue's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as it allows for a deeper press before registering a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a rich auditory experience characterized by a neutral sound profile and a thocky tone. This unique combination results in a deep and satisfying sound upon actuation, often described as a subtle "thud" when pressed and released. This makes the Mamba a versatile choice, suitable for both home and work environments, as it balances a moderate actuation force with a sound that is neither overly loud nor too quiet. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its distinct click sound; however, specific auditory qualities are not mentioned. Generally, clicky switches like the Outemu Blue are designed to produce an audible click at the point of actuation, which can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate feedback through sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch is noted for its mild and polished characteristics, providing an approachable typing experience that suits a wide range of users. The mild feel means it won't be too aggressive or taxing on the fingers, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Additionally, the polished nature of the Mamba leads to smooth keystrokes, thanks to reduced friction and efficient key travel, enhancing the overall typing performance. Conversely, the Outemu Blue clicky switch does not have specific feel descriptors noted, but clicky switches typically include a distinct tactile bump that provides physical feedback when a key is actuated. This means users may experience a firmer, more pronounced feel versus the smoothness of the Mamba.
In conclusion, while both switches provide unique qualities, the Durock Mamba linear switch excels in delivering a well-rounded sound and feel that caters to a diverse audience, making it an excellent choice for typing enthusiasts. The richer auditory experience and the polished, mild touch contribute to an effortless typing encounter. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch focuses on a tactile and clicky feedback that some users may prefer for a different typing experience, although its exact sound and feel characteristics lack further detail. Ultimately, both switches can offer satisfying results, but your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards a smooth, refined typing experience or a tactile, clicky feedback sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you’re someone who enjoys a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba is an excellent choice. Its moderate actuation force combined with a thocky sound profile makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, whether at home or in the office. Additionally, the Mamba’s mild and polished feel ensures a comfortable typing experience, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more tactile and auditory feedback with a noticeable click sound, you might prefer the Outemu Blue switch. While it doesn't feature a specified bottom-out force, clicky switches generally provide a distinct feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making them particularly fun for typing enthusiasts or for those who appreciate a loud, tactile response. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you value smoothness and subtlety in your keystrokes or prefer the pronounced and engaging feedback of a clicky switch.
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