Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Peach, both of which are linear switches. The Mamba, paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, offers a remarkable typing experience characterized by a smooth gliding sensation and a pleasing auditory feedback. With its neutral, mild, thocky, and polished attributes, the Mamba switch is known for its satisfying feel and sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out for its lightweight nature and silencing features. Perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience, these switches provide a neutral, mild, muted, subtle, and polished sensation. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and feel. The Mamba's top housing, a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, provides a unique sound profile that leans towards brightness without being overly sharp. On the other hand, the Peach's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature, absorbing more sound to create a rounder and duller tone. Although these materials differ, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, albeit with different characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes a POM housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This creates a unique auditory experience that leans towards the lower end of the sound spectrum. Similarly, the Peach's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder and duller tone. These bottom housings share similarities in sound characteristics, offering a pleasing sound experience with a deeper tone.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in influencing the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either the Mamba or the Peach, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles and overall feel, albeit with variations in specific characteristics depending on the specific housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, we can observe some distinct differences. The actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it to the Peach's 40-gram actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Mamba requiring 60 grams and the Peach requiring 50 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In this aspect, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be the preferable choice, given its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push sensation to enhance the typing experience. For these individuals, the Mamba's bottom out force of 60 grams would provide a more substantial feel compared to the Peach's 50 grams.
Although the actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, users seeking a similar result to the Peach's lighter actuation force could potentially find satisfaction with the Mamba, provided its actuation force falls within a similar range. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences - whether for a lighter and more prolonged typing experience or a stronger push sensation for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, we can see that they have slightly different measurements. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Peach has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Despite this small discrepancy, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances. This trend of shorter travel distances has become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, either of these switches would be a suitable choice. However, it's worth considering that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial depth to your keystrokes, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer convenient travel distances that cater to different preferences.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 sound profile with a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. This results in a deep, satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed, similar to a soft "knock." On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch also has a neutral sound profile, but it is more muted and produces a softer and quieter sound. This makes the Outemu Peach ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Mamba and Outemu Peach offer a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Mamba is described as having a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Outemu Peach also offers a mild feel, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. It also features a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make both switches comfortable and suitable for most users.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Mamba and Outemu Peach linear switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a gliding typing sensation. They also offer a gentle and approachable typing experience, with a polished finish for smooth key travel. If you're looking for a linear switch with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces, the Outemu Peach is a great option. Overall, both switches are suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, depending on your personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who appreciates a medium bottom out force and enjoys a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a feathery light typing experience with silenced switches, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be the perfect fit. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild and polished typing experience. However, if you prioritize a more subtle switch with gentle resistance and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces, the Outemu Peach would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences in terms of typing force, auditory experience, and feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches are suitable for beginners and advanced users and can be used at home or work.