Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, there are distinct factors to consider. The Durock Mamba switch is celebrated for its smooth typing sensation and satisfying sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch offers a silent typing experience without compromising on the linear feel. While the Mamba is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Silent White falls into a category of its own. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent White, it's clear that there are noticeable differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing creates a brighter and more pleasant sound profile, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, as some may prefer the brighter sound of the Mamba while others may lean towards the clearer sound of the Silent White.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both bottom housings have their own distinct qualities, they each contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, further enhancing the typing experience for users.
While the housing materials of the Mamba and the Silent White differ in composition and sound profile, it's important to note that both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch allow for a balance between impact and sound when pressing down on the keys, as well as when releasing them. Whether users prefer the brighter and deeper sound profile of the Mamba or the sharper and crisper sound of the Silent White, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a similar typing experience in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mamba would be a suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who enjoy a more pronounced push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Mamba a popular choice in gaming setups. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent White with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth 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 Silent White 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Mamba offers a rich and creamy auditory experience with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Silent White switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, suggesting that it may not offer a distinctive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation with a mild and polished switch characteristic, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience. However, the Silent White switch lacks any provided descriptors for feel, leaving its typing experience subjective and unknown. Overall, for users looking for a linear switch with a satisfying thocky sound and a polished, gentle feel, the Durock Mamba would be a solid choice. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch's qualities remain unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, while the subjective qualities of the switches differ in sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and additional factors such as choice of keyboard and keycaps when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines:
Choose the Durock Mamba if you are looking for a switch that offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience. The Mamba is a tribute to Kobe Bryant, delivering a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. It is best known for its neutral sound profile and mild typing experience, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
On the other hand, opt for the Outemu Silent White if you prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Silent White also has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it is known for being silent and lacks a distinct profile in terms of sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Consider your typing environment and preferences to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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