Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it's important to note the distinct differences in their typing experience. The Mamba switches, inspired by Kobe Bryant, offer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback. They are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switches provide a tactile bump for those who prefer a more pronounced sensation while typing. Despite not having a specific inspiration, they are categorized differently. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a linear switch for its smoothness or a tactile switch for its feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Outemu Milk Tea both utilize unique materials for their housing components. The Mamba features a top housing made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which creates a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the Milk Tea uses a Ly top housing, providing a bright sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer a similar bright sound experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
While the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing is known for creating a fuller and rounder sound. The POM material in the Mamba offers a unique sound experience that is distinct from the nylon material used in the Milk Tea. However, both housing materials serve to absorb sound and impact the overall sound profile of the switch when typing. This demonstrates how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch in varying ways.
In terms of tactile feedback, the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when lifting off a key. Both the Mamba and the Milk Tea showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, whether it be in terms of sound profile or tactile feedback.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch reveals some interesting differences. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium amount of force needed to fully press the key, whereas the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Mamba is on the heavier side with a 60-gram bottom out force, while the Milk Tea's weight remains unknown. The Mamba may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, whereas the Milk Tea's lighter actuation force could be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Tea has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mamba will provide a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch will offer a deeper key press experience due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feeling. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get similar results regardless of the differences in travel distance.
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 Milk Tea 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 praised for its smooth and creamy sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks any specific sound description, indicating that its sound profile may not be as distinctive or noteworthy. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Mamba is characterized as offering a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch has no specific feel description provided, leaving uncertainty about how it compares in terms of typing sensation. It is important to note that the tactile feedback of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy sound profile, as well as its mild and polished typing feel. While the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may offer a different typing experience, its subjective qualities are not clearly defined in terms of sound and feel. If you are drawn to a linear switch with a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience, the Durock Mamba may be the better choice based on the information available. However, individual preferences and personal testing are important factors in determining the most suitable switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a moderate sound profile, the Mamba switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a unique design and feel, the Milk Tea switch might be more suited to your taste. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities and it's important to choose the one that will enhance your typing experience the most.
Mentioned in this article
