Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, one can immediately notice distinct differences in their characteristics. The Mamba switch is celebrated for its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, making it a favorite among typists seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tom switch lacks any standout features, yet offers a different typing feel to those who prefer a tactile response. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Tom does not fall into any specific categories. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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 and the Outemu Tom both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing, made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offers a bright and pleasant sound that is not particularly sharp. In comparison, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is more resonant due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. While the Mamba's sound is described as unique and pleasing, the Tom's sound is crisper and clearer, especially ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba's POM material provides a deep and muted sound profile that is incredibly pleasing. This contrasts with the Tom's nylon bottom housing, which brings a fuller and rounder sound due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties. The Mamba's bottom housing creates a deeper sound, while the Tom's nylon material brings a softness and dullness to the overall sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Tom play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing creates a bright and pleasant sound, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and muted sound, whereas the Tom's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tom has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Mamba is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Tom requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke, making it a lighter option that may be more ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their respective force requirements, catering to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Tom, while those desiring a heavier feel may lean towards the Mamba.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom. For individuals who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing or gaming, the Mamba might be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immediate key press with a slightly shorter travel distance, the Outemu Tom could be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance and will provide similar results in terms of 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 Tom 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 and thocky experience, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, rich sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it's important to consider all factors when choosing a switch based on sound preference.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key travel that is approachable to most users. Contrastingly, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's feel is unspecified, making it challenging to directly compare to the Mamba. The polished finish of the Mamba switch contributes to reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch stands out for its gliding sensation while typing and rich auditory experience, making it a popular choice for those looking for a linear switch option. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks specific information on its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Overall, the Mamba switch offers a satisfying typing experience with its unique qualities, but depending on personal preferences, the Tom switch may also provide a suitable option for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, the Mamba may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Mamba could be a good fit. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch option with a bottom out force that is unavailable or if you want a switch with a thocky sound profile, the Tom could be the better option for you. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and tactile feedback when making your decision between these two switches.
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