Durock Mamba vs. Durock Piano

Overview

The world of mechanical keyboard switches is expansive and filled with options to suit every typist's preferences. Two switches that have gained recognition for their unique qualities are the Durock Mamba and the Durock Piano. The Mamba, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, offers a delightful linear typing experience. With its gliding sensation and rich auditory feedback, typing on the Mamba is a truly satisfying experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', this switch provides a balanced and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in an incredibly pleasant linear switch experience. Typing on the Piano offers a glide-like push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', this switch promises a smooth and satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the Durock Piano both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing is made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, while the Piano's top housing features a proprietary POM blend. While the exact details of these blends are not disclosed, both offer satisfying sound profiles. The Mamba's blend tends to produce a pleasant and bright sound, whereas the Piano's blend is known for its deep and satisfying tones. Despite these differences, both switches promise a unique auditory experience that is sure to please users.

In terms of bottom housing, the Durock Mamba and the Durock Piano utilize POM material for their construction. POM housings are known to create an incredibly pleasing sound, albeit with some distinctions between the two switches. The Mamba's POM bottom housing contributes to a relatively more muted sound profile, as it leans towards the deeper end of the auditory spectrum. On the other hand, details about the Piano's POM blend are not explicitly provided. However, it is mentioned that the blend offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. Therefore, both switches offer a unique auditory experience through their bottom housing materials, albeit with different tonal qualities.

While the top and bottom housings of a switch often differ, their impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch is significant. When pressing down on either the Durock Mamba or the Durock Piano, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. The chosen material of the bottom housing has a considerable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a tactile experience that users will appreciate. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the Mamba and the Piano differ in their top housing materials, users can expect comparable results as both switches offer unique and satisfying sounds when keys are released.

In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and Durock Piano switches have distinctive housing materials that shape their sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a bright and pleasant sound, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying tone. Both switches utilize POM material for their bottom housing, resulting in pleasing and uniquely muted or deep sound profiles depending on the switch. While the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of the switches, users can expect satisfying results when pressing and releasing keys. Whether opting for the Mamba or the Piano, a unique auditory experience awaits.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are a few notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable, but both are described as having a medium actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams of force, while the Piano requires 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier.

Considering weight and force is important for different preferences and circumstances. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Mamba, as it allows for longer typing sessions without strain. This would be ideal for individuals who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, the Piano switch's slightly heavier bottom out force may be more desirable.

Overall, while the specific actuation force of these switches is unknown, it can be inferred that they both offer a similar medium actuation force. However, the Piano switch provides a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Mamba, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm, the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who are looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. Some individuals may find the longer travel distance of the Piano switch to be more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba switch provides a neutral and thocky profile. This means that it offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a satisfying, deep sound sensation when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a bassy sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, with the Mamba, you can expect a neutral and thocky sound, while the Piano switch offers a bassy sound experience.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Mamba switch stands in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. This means that it minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Both switches prioritize smoothness, with the Mamba offering a mild and polished experience, while the Piano provides a frictionless and silky feel.

Considering all the available information, the Durock Mamba and Durock Piano switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a bassy sound profile and a frictionless, silky typing experience. These distinctions will result in different auditory and tactile experiences for users. However, if you prefer similar results, both switches aim to provide smoothness in their respective categories. It's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard boards and keycaps to optimize the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Mamba with its 60 gram force may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you value a neutral sound profile or prefer a thocky sound, the Mamba switch would be a good choice.

On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Piano switch with its 63.5 gram force would be more suitable. If you are someone who enjoys a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, the bassy sound of the Piano switch would be appealing to you.

In terms of feel, the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys.

Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities and it comes down to your personal preference and desired typing experience. Whether you prioritize a lighter or heavier bottom out force, a specific sound profile, or a particular feel, both the Durock Mamba and the Durock Piano switches offer excellent options for linear switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more