Durock Mamba vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that deserve consideration are the Durock Mamba and the KTT Pine. Both switches belong to the linear switch category, providing smooth and consistent keystrokes. The Durock Mamba is renowned for its homage to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine boasts a translucent, forest green design and is celebrated for its medium-heavy weight and buttery smooth feel. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, the Pine switches minimize friction, resulting in effortless typing. Although these general descriptions provide an overview of each switch's qualities, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Pine exhibit distinct characteristics that create contrasting experiences for users. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a unique sound profile that leans towards brightness without sharpness. In comparison, the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, both materials provide pleasant sound profiles, though their tonality differs slightly.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes POM material, which contributes to a deep and comparatively muted sound. Conversely, the Pine incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in the same sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as its top housing. The choice of POM for the Mamba's bottom housing offers a sound experience that is more mellow and less pronounced than the Pine. The use of polycarbonate in both housings of the Pine brings consistency to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Additionally, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in dictating the sound that occurs when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in both the top and bottom portions of the switch will affect the sound experience throughout the typing or gaming session.
In summary, while the Durock Mamba and the KTT Pine both offer unique and pleasant sound profiles, they achieve this through the use of different housing materials. The Mamba combines a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing with a POM bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is brighter but not overly sharp and on the deeper side. In contrast, the Pine employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, crisper sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches provide enjoyable typing or gaming experiences, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are several key differences to consider. The Mamba has an actuation force that is listed as unavailable, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams of pressure, while the Pine requires 58 grams.
These variances in force can have a significant impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Pine switch with its lower actuation force would be a better choice. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for people who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Mamba switch, with its higher bottom out force. The additional pressure required to trigger a keystroke can provide a satisfying tactile feedback, giving the user a stronger push feel.
It's important to note that both switches fall into the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that, although they differ slightly in their specific force measurements, the overall typing experience would be similar. Therefore, if weight is a consideration, individuals seeking a lighter option may find the Pine switch more suitable, while those desiring a heavier touch can opt for the Mamba switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Durock Mamba with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable option. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may find the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Pine more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral profile, producing a moderate sound with a satisfying deep "thocky" tone when pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, characterized by a deeper and richer tone resembling bass tones. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Mamba providing a more neutral and thocky sound, while the Pine delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, your choice of board and keycaps will ultimately impact the final sound result.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of the switch ensures a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users, while the polished finish provides a smooth and refined feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The creamy sensation of the Pine switch is attributed to either factory lubrication or specific materials used. Overall, both switches offer a different typing feel, with the Mamba providing a mild and polished experience, and the Pine offering a buttery and creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch is best known for its gliding typing sensation, neutral sound profile, mild feel, and polished finish. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch stands out for its medium-heavy weight, forest green color, bassy and low-pitched sound profile, buttery and creamy typing experience, and factory-lubed smoothness. While the sound and feel of the Mamba and Pine switches have distinct characteristics, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and other factors such as weight and appearance. However, if a user desires a similar gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience provided by the Mamba switch, they can expect to achieve comparable results with the buttery and creamy Pine switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its moderate actuation force requirement and neutral sound profile, the Mamba switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Mamba's mild and polished feel ensures a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch might be the perfect fit for you. With its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Pine switch offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Its buttery and creamy feel provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation, as if you are gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Mamba and KTT Pine switches boils down to personal preference regarding bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider your typing style, desired sound, and overall preference to select the switch that best suits your needs. Whether you choose the Mamba or the Pine, both switches offer excellent qualities for a satisfying mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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