Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Milk Blue. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent typing experience with a satisfying 'thocky' sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch, providing a tactile feedback with a crisp clicking sound. While the Mamba is praised for its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, the Milk Blue is known for its tactile feedback. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference 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

Durock Mamba Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Milk Blue, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to the unique properties of their materials. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a bright and pleasant sound profile, which is not particularly sharp. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound profile that is higher-pitched. While the Mamba's top housing is unique and offers a subtle brightness, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clearer and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic material that absorbs more sound. While the POM bottom housing of the Mamba creates a more muted sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue elicits a rounder and duller sound, enhancing the overall typing sensation for users.

When considering how the top and bottom housings interact within the switches, it's important to note that they have different impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience for the user.

Weight

The Durock Mamba linear switch has a bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, offering a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes. Both switches have their advantages; the Mamba's heavier bottom-out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the Milk Blue's lighter actuation force is great for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired level of resistance.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances for mechanical switches. Gamers often opt for switches with shorter travel distances like the Mamba for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more traditional typing experience may lean towards the Milk Blue with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Mamba linear switch is a popular choice for those seeking a smooth and creamy auditory experience while typing, as it provides a gliding sensation when pressed. In terms of sound, the Mamba switch can be described as having a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for various typing purposes. Additionally, it offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. When it comes to feel, the Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience with polished characteristics, resulting in a more gentle and refined keypress. This switch provides a safe middle-ground typing experience that is approachable to most users. As for the Milk Blue switch, feel descriptors are unknown. Ultimately, when comparing the subjective qualities of these switches, the Durock Mamba linear switch stands out for its smooth and polished typing experience with a rich sound profile, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch lacks specific information on sound and feel qualities. It is important to consider individual preference and typing needs when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gliding sensation while typing and a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a deep and rich sound, the Outemu Milk Blue switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Make sure to consider your preferences and needs when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more