Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, and the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch. The Durock Mamba is praised for its smooth typing experience, offering a gliding sensation with satisfying audible feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf provides a tactile typing experience, allowing for precise key presses with a noticeable bump. The Mamba is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, while the Maple Leaf does not have any specific categories listed. When choosing between the two switches, one might prefer the Mamba for its smooth linear feel, while others may lean towards the Maple Leaf for its tactile feedback. However, let’s dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Maple Leaf switches present some distinct differences. The Mamba utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is bright and pleasant, with a unique quality that is not particularly sharp. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switches feature a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights the different characteristics of the housing materials used in each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Mamba features a POM bottom housing that creates a deep and muted sound profile. This differs from the Maple Leaf switches, which also utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile similar to its top housing. Despite both switches having distinct qualities in their respective bottom housings, they both contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when pressed. The differences in material properties between POM and nylon bring unique characteristics to the sound and feel of each switch.
Overall, while the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches have differences in their housing materials, they both aim to provide a pleasing typing experience. The Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a bright and pleasant sound profile, while the Maple Leaf's classic nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, whether it be in the sound profile, feel, or overall performance of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that they have different characteristics. The Mamba has a lower actuation force of None grams, while the Maple Leaf requires 55 grams to actuate. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force with the Mamba at 60 grams and the Maple Leaf at 65 grams, making them similar in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Mamba may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the Mamba offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel when typing. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with the Mamba being slightly longer than the Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Maple Leaf 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 neutral and thocky auditory experience, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided.
In conclusion, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba is a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch, the Outemu Maple Leaf may also provide a satisfying typing experience, although specific subjective qualities such as sound and feel are not explicitly described. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Mamba linear switch or the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a neutral or thocky sound profile, then the Mamba switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, then the Maple Leaf switch could be the better option. Consider your typing style, noise preferences, and desired typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences and can enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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