Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Outemu Silver stand out for different reasons. The Durock Mamba, named as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, offers a smooth and gliding typing experience with a rich and creamy sound profile. It is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver doesn't have a specific branding or theme associated with it, but it is known for its simplicity and reliability. Despite being unbranded, the Silver switch still provides a solid linear typing feel. If you favor a switch with a distinct character and a unique typing experience, the Durock Mamba might be the one for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
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 Durock Mamba stands out with its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing, offering a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Silver utilizes polycarbonate in its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The Mamba's top housing is described as not particularly sharp, while the Silver's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Silver is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Mamba's blend offers a more unique sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Durock Mamba features a POM housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver utilizes a classic nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than POM, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the more pronounced sound produced by the POM in the Mamba. While both switches offer unique characteristics in their bottom housing materials, the choice between POM and nylon will ultimately depend on the desired sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silver will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing provides a unique and bright sound, while the POM bottom housing offers a deeper and muted experience. In contrast, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, complemented by the classic nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound profile. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams while the Silver requires 65 grams, making the Silver slightly heavier in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mamba may be more suitable as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silver may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mamba's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silver's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more traditional feel. Both switches offer a linear experience, but the slight difference in travel distance can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing purposes. With a moderate actuation force requirement, typists can enjoy a smooth and consistent typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound that adds to the overall auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switch remains unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Both switches may produce different sound profiles based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and approachable feel for users of all levels. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the tactile feel characteristics of the Outemu Silver linear switch are unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing feel. However, if both switches are used in similar setups, users can expect a similar level of typing comfort and smoothness.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy auditory experience, paired with a gliding typing sensation and a neutral sound profile that caters to a wide range of users. With a mild and polished feel, this switch offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch that's known for its sound and feel, the Outemu Silver could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and switch characteristics. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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