Durock Mamba vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the HMX Perky each bring unique qualities to the typing experience, catering to different preferences among enthusiasts. The Mamba switches, a nod to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, are celebrated for their smooth gliding feel and rich auditory feedback, providing a delightful 'thocky' sound profile that many typists and gamers find appealing. This polished linear switch combines a neutral and mild touch, making it well-suited for users who appreciate a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches feature a softer, glittery nylon housing that offers a satisfying and neutral typing sensation, but with a notably shorter travel distance. This can lead to a more condensed experience, which some users might find beneficial for faster typing speeds or intense gaming sessions. While both switches are linear and share a focus on smooth actuation, their design and auditory qualities present distinct advantages for different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the HMX Perky, one of the most notable differences lies in the composition of the top housing. The Mamba utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, leading to a sound profile that is bright yet pleasantly soft. In contrast, the Perky opts for traditional nylon, known for its capacity to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction in the top housing materials suggests that while both switches will deliver satisfactory auditory feedback, the Mamba may lean towards a more vibrant sound, while the Perky will produce a rounder and more muted tone, owing to nylon's softer properties.
The bottom housings of both switches highlight another contrast. The Mamba features a POM bottom housing, renowned for its ability to generate a deep and muted sound that's quite distinct. In comparison, the Perky combines the nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, creating uniform characteristics that contribute to a rich sound profile that leans toward roundness. The POM material in the Mamba enhances the switch's overall sound dynamics by introducing an element of depth and uniqueness, while the nylon in the Perky ensures consistency across both housing components, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience.
Despite the differences in material selections, both the Durock Mamba and the HMX Perky exhibit characteristics conducive to fulfilling similar tactile and auditory experiences. The Mamba's blend may offer a brighter and more dynamic response, particularly emphasized with the POM bottom housing, while the Perky’s decision to utilize nylon for both housings will contribute to a smoother, more consistent feel with a characteristic depth. Ultimately, the qualities of each housing material, whether differing or similar, shape the overall performance of the switches, ensuring that users can enjoy satisfying results depending on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The Mamba has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Perky has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction suggests that the Mamba may provide a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier switch, while the Perky's lighter force can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, those who enjoy a lighter switch may favor the HMX Perky for its ease of use, whereas those seeking a more pronounced resistance might opt for the Durock Mamba. However, without the actuation force for the Mamba, it’s difficult to fully compare typing experiences directly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Mamba features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if a user prefers a more responsive feel, the HMX Perky might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses, especially beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses may gravitate toward the Durock Mamba, as its longer travel distance can provide a more substantial tactile feedback. While the difference between the two switches is minimal, it caters to distinct preferences regarding keystroke responsiveness and depth.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 switches offer a rich auditory experience characterized by a thocky profile. This means that every keystroke delivers a deep, satisfying sound reminiscent of a gentle thud, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches do not have a specified sound profile available, leaving some ambiguity in this aspect. However, it is important to remember that the sound performance of both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Mamba switches provide a gentle, mild typing experience that is accessible to both beginners and seasoned typists. They possess a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction, which contributes to an elegant typing sensation. The Perky switches, on the other hand, are noted for their softer, glittery nylon housings and a neutral typing experience. Thanks to a reduced travel distance, they offer a more compact feel that many users find deeply satisfying. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a less pronounced tactile feedback when typing.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba switches present a dynamic auditory experience paired with a smooth and mild feel, making them versatile for various typing environments. The HMX Perky switches, while lacking detailed sound descriptors, offer a unique combination of softer materials and reduced travel distance, catering to users looking for a different tactile experience. Both switches provide distinct characteristics appealing to different preferences, ensuring that no matter your choice, you can enjoy an enhanced typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Mamba linear switches and HMX Perky linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and desire a rich auditory experience that combines a deep thocky sound with a gliding typing sensation, the Mamba is the way to go. This switch is especially suited for users who appreciate a more traditional typing feel with a touch of character, making it ideal whether you're a beginner or someone looking for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch with a gentle, condensed typing experience, the Perky is your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom out force allows for effortless keystrokes, which can benefit those who type for extended periods or prefer a more relaxed approach to their keyboard usage. The soft nylon housing offers a unique comfort level, making it a great choice for both casual typing and gaming sessions. Ultimately, understanding your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and force will guide you to the switch that enhances your keyboard experience the most.
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