Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Outemu Silent Grey stand out as popular choices for different typing preferences. The Durock Mamba, a linear switch, is revered for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, provides a quiet yet highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Mamba is categorized as ['Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'], the Silent Grey's category remains unspecified. If you're looking for a linear switch that provides a creamy typing experience, the Mamba might be your best bet. However, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers both satisfaction and silence, the Silent Grey could be the better option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey differ in their composition and sound profiles. The Mamba features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that produces a pleasant and bright sound, while the Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Mamba's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and muted sound, whereas the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
However, despite these differences, both switches share a common goal of providing a quality typing experience. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing may offer a similar sound profile to the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey. Likewise, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba, known for its unique sound profile, may deliver comparable results to the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey. Therefore, while the housing materials vary between the two switches, the end result may not be drastically different for users seeking a specific typing sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Grey comes down to individual preferences in sound and typing experience. The Mamba's blend of materials in both the top and bottom housing may appeal to those looking for a unique and brighter sound profile, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and fuller sound experience. Whether users prioritize sound clarity, depth, or brightness, both switches provide a variety of options for enhancing the overall typing experience based on the qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see some differences in their force requirements. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light touch to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Grey requires 50 grams of force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Mamba has a 60-gram requirement, which is lighter than the 65-gram bottom out force of the Silent Grey. This means that the Mamba provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Silent Grey. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Mamba may be the better option, while the Silent Grey offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on individual 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 Silent Grey 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 sound profile that is suitable for a variety of typing scenarios, whether for beginners or advanced users. With a thocky sound, users can enjoy a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience without any specific sound description provided. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Mamba is described as offering a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This makes typing on the Mamba switches gentle and approachable to most users. As for the Outemu Silent Grey, there is no specific feel description provided.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich thocky sound, the Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience without specific sound or feel descriptions. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a quiet and tactile experience, the Silent Grey might be the better choice, while the Mamba can offer a smoother and more polished typing feel. Ultimately, trying out both switches can help you determine which one suits your typing style the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Mamba linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Mamba switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Silent Grey switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
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