Durock Mamba vs. Kailh Plum

Overview

The Durock Mamba and the Kailh Plum are two different mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The Mamba, known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant, is a linear switch that provides a smooth and seamless typing experience. With a gliding sensation and a rich and creamy auditory feel, the Mamba switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Plum switch stands out for its unique characteristics. Although it feels hefty, it doesn't have a pronounced tactile bump like many other tactile switches. This deviation from the norm creates an interesting typing experience. The Plum switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped'. While these general descriptions give an initial overview of each switch, diving deeper into their specific features and qualities will help determine the best option for your preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the Kailh Plum have different housing materials that contribute to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a bright and pleasant sound without being particularly sharp. In contrast, the Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the Mamba's blend leans towards a brighter tone while the Plum's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes a POM material that results in a deep and muted sound profile. This material contributes to a softer and more muffled sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Both housing materials have their own distinct benefits, with the Mamba's POM offering a more subdued and unique sound compared to the Plum's nylon which provides a fuller and deeper sound.

Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Kailh Plum differ, they both offer unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience. The Mamba's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing provides a bright yet not overly sharp sound, complemented by the deep and muted sound from the POM bottom housing. Similarly, the Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller tone. While the specific qualities vary, both switches offer a satisfying and distinct auditory experience depending on the desired sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Firstly, the actuation force of both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare them in this aspect. However, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be classified as medium, while the Plum has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mamba may be more suitable as it has a lower bottom out force. This lighter weight can allow for longer typing sessions without causing as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Plum provides a stronger push feel with its higher bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This can be appealing to individuals who prefer a more pronounced key press sensation.

Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. If a lighter touch and longer typing sessions are desired, the Mamba may be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a stronger and more tactile keystroke, the Plum with its heavier bottom out force may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer medium to medium-heavy forces, but it is important to consider individual preferences when making a decision.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. However, the slight difference between the Mamba and Plum switches may not have a significant impact on their overall performance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Mamba switch an appealing option for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a greater sense of depth and a more substantial feel when typing may find the Plum switch with its longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Mamba linear switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. These switches are best known for their impressive tribute to Kobe Bryant, and they provide a neutral sound profile. The sound produced by the Mamba switch is described as either neutral or thocky, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and can produce a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The Mamba switch also offers a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is described as a polished switch, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Mamba switch provides a pleasant typing experience with a versatile sound profile.

On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch stands out for its heftiness and unique lack of a pronounced tactile bump. Despite its weightiness, the Plum switch offers a relatively mild tactile experience. It is described as a neutral switch in terms of sound, meaning it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. The Plum switch produces a neutral and enjoyable sound, although other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced. Additionally, the Plum switch is considered a stepped switch, which means it has a more mild tactile feel compared to hypertactile switches. Stepped switches retain some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a different typing experience.

Both the Durock Mamba linear switch and Kailh Plum tactile switch offer pleasant typing experiences with moderate actuation force requirements. Their sound profiles are described as neutral, and they provide a mild typing feel that is comfortable for most individuals. While the Mamba switch has a more polished and refined finish, resulting in smoother key travel, the Plum switch offers a unique lack of a pronounced tactile bump and a stepped feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba is a great option for you. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a mild and polished feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it has a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work, the Mamba's neutral sound and feel make it suitable for most intents and purposes.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Kailh Plum is a unique choice. It offers a unique tactile experience with a moderate bump and weightiness. Despite its weight, the Plum still maintains a neutral sound profile, making it enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users. With its mild and stepped feel, you can expect a gentle typing experience with a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Kailh Plum comes down to personal preference based on the typing sensation and sound profile you prefer. Consider whether you prioritize a gliding linear switch with a thocky sound or a tactile switch with a moderate bump and weightiness. Both switches offer a neutral sound and feel suitable for various applications. In the end, make sure to test and try out different switches to find the one that best suits your individual preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more