Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, providing subtle feedback with each key press. Depending on your typing preferences, you may prefer the gliding sensation of the Mamba switches or the tactile feel of the Brown switches. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Brown switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant, bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp. In contrast, the Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, while the blend in the Mamba switch offers a more mellow sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the unique sound profiles of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch.
While the Mamba and the Brown switches use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both focus on providing a unique sound experience for users. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a brighter and more pleasant sound, while the polycarbonate used in the Brown switch creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a mellow and deep sound or a sharp and clear sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and Outemu Brown tactile switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, while the Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams, making the Brown switch slightly lighter. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams and 65 grams, respectively, with the Outemu Brown being heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Durock Mamba, as it has a lighter actuation force. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Brown with its heavier bottom out force. Similar results can be achieved with these switches based on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Durock Mamba. Traditionally, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered standard, while a 3.5mm travel distance is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Durock Mamba a popular choice in gaming keyboards. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Outemu Brown switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Durock Mamba providing a quicker response and the Outemu Brown offering a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown 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
The Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its smooth and gliding typing sensation, providing a rich and creamy auditory experience with a thocky sound profile that offers deep and satisfying tones when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound qualities mentioned, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Mamba is described as offering a mild typing experience with polished characteristics, resulting in a gentle and refined typing feel. The switches have a smooth and sleek finish with reduced friction, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. Conversely, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch, making it challenging to compare the two switches in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch excels in providing a smooth and gliding typing experience with a thocky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those looking for a rich auditory experience. Additionally, the polished and refined feel of the switch ensures a comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific information on sound and feel qualities, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it can be said that the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a more detailed and curated typing experience compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Mamba linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Mamba switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile bump for increased feedback while typing, the Outemu Brown switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smooth linear switches or tactile feedback when typing.
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