Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. Known for its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory feedback, the Mamba is a great choice for those who prefer linear switches that are 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' in feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that delivers a tactile typing experience with a satisfying click sound. While it may not have a specific claim to fame, the Spring Breeze switch is sure to please those who enjoy the audible feedback of clicky switches. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Spring Breeze switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Mamba utilizing a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, while the Spring Breeze uses nylon. The Mamba's blend creates a brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp, whereas the Spring Breeze's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. Both switches offer pleasant typing experiences, but the Mamba's blend may provide a slightly different auditory experience compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Spring Breeze utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with POM offering a unique and pleasing sound experience compared to the fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Durock Mamba and Outemu Spring Breeze can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend may offer a brighter and more unique sound profile compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon housing, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective top and bottom housing materials. Whether it be the deeper sound profile of the POM bottom housing or the fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing, both switches aim to deliver a pleasant typing experience for enthusiasts looking to customize their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is evident that the Mamba is lighter in terms of actuation force as it requires None grams, while the Spring Breeze needs 40 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mamba is heavier at 60 grams compared to the Spring Breeze at 55 grams, making the latter a slightly lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Spring Breeze for its lighter actuation force, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may prefer the Mamba for its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium feel overall, but the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces can cater to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Spring Breeze requires just a bit more travel to actuate compared to the Mamba. While the difference might not be significant to most users, those seeking a slightly quicker response time may prefer the Mamba, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that should suit the needs of most users.
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 Spring Breeze 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 environments. It also has a thocky characteristic, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is hard to directly compare the auditory experience between the two switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its approachable qualities. It also boasts a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze switch's feel is unknown, so we cannot directly compare the typing experience between the two switches in this aspect.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba switch offers a neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, the specific characteristics of the Spring Breeze switch remain uncertain. If a user is looking for a linear switch with a gentle typing experience and a rich auditory feedback, the Durock Mamba switch would be a solid choice. However, if the user is intrigued by the Spring Breeze switch but desires more information on its sound and feel, further research or testing may be necessary to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a moderate actuation force, then the Mamba switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a clicky sound profile, the Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
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