Durock Mamba vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Mamba, a linear switch, offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. It is known for its neutral feel, mild actuation, thocky sound, and polished performance. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, boasts beautiful translucent switches with a light actuation force of 37g. This makes typing effortless and minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. With a satisfying and discernible tactile bump at 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. The Phalaenopsis is described as bassy, stepped, and thocky. Both switches have their own unique benefits, offering different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the KTT Phalaenopsis have contrasting housing materials, resulting in different sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Mamba's top housing is made of a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, while the Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate. The Mamba's blend offers a pleasant and bright sound profile without being sharp, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate of the Phalaenopsis is perfect for RGB lighting, whereas the Mamba's blend does not have this advantage.
In terms of bottom housings, the Mamba features a POM housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis also utilizes polycarbonate for the bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate in the Phalaenopsis's bottom housing complements its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their bottom housings, with the Mamba's POM providing a deeper tone and the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate offering a clearer resonance.
When it comes to pressing down and releasing keys, the differences in housing materials become apparent. The bottom housing, whether it is POM or polycarbonate, greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a switch. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom can impact the overall auditory experience when using these switches.
While the Durock Mamba and KTT Phalaenopsis have contrasting housing materials and their own unique characteristics, they also share some similarities. Both switches highlight the benefits of polycarbonate housings by using them in either the top or bottom housing. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile and complements RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches can greatly impact the sound and aesthetic preferences of users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The Durock Mamba's actuation force is not specified, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is relatively light, and a bottom out force of 50 grams.
Weight is an important factor to consider as it can greatly impact typing comfort and overall user experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be the better option. It allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions, making it suitable for extended use at work or during intense gaming sessions. Its actuation force is lighter than that of the Durock Mamba, making it easier to trigger keystrokes.
However, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, the Durock Mamba would be a better choice. Although the exact actuation force is unknown, a medium bottom out force of 60 grams suggests a more satisfying and solid keystroke. This heavier force can provide a sense of stability and precision, ideal for users who prefer a more tactile and deliberate typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba offers a potentially heavier and more substantial typing experience due to its medium bottom out force, while the KTT Phalaenopsis provides a lighter and more accessible typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we find that the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional expectations, the Phalaenopsis falls within the typical range of 4.0 mm, while the Mamba offers a slightly shallower travel distance. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances for faster response times, the Mamba may be the preferred choice for gamers seeking quicker feedback. On the other hand, for those who appreciate a more substantial key press, the Phalaenopsis with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two options will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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
The Durock Mamba linear switch is known for providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. This switch is considered to have a neutral sound profile, which means it offers a moderate sound when pressed and released. However, it also falls into the category of thocky switches, which produce a deeper and more satisfying sound similar to a soft "knock" or deep "thud". The Mamba switch is classified as mild, providing a gentle typing experience, and it is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for sleek key travel with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. It offers a tactile bump with a satisfying and discernible feel, thanks to its 50g tactile force. The sound profile of the Phalaenopsis switch is described as bassy, which means it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Like the Mamba switch, it is also categorized as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
Based on the available information, the Mamba linear switch and the Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, with a neutral and thocky sound profile. It offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch offers effortless typing with minimized finger fatigue, thanks to its light actuation force. It provides a tactile bump and a bassy thocky sound profile. Although both switches fall into the thocky sound category, they have their unique characteristics.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation, while the Phalaenopsis ensures effortless typing. The Mamba has a neutral and thocky sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis is bassy and thocky. The Mamba is considered mild and polished, while the Phalaenopsis is stepped, providing a mild tactile experience. Both switches offer delightful typing experiences, but the choice between them depends on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba switch is a great choice. It offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, making each keystroke satisfying. Additionally, the Mamba switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes, and a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is the one for you. It features a light actuation force, minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis switch has a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring a delightful typing experience. Furthermore, it has a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound, along with a thocky sound that provides a deep and satisfying sensation when pressed. In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, offering a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, go for the Mamba. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, along with a deeper and richer sound, the Phalaenopsis is the way to go. Consider your typing style and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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