Durock Mamba vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Mamba is widely recognized for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a satisfying typing experience with its gliding sensation and rich, creamy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing feel and appreciate the clean and clacky sound profile it produces. While these general descriptions give us a good idea of what each switch has to offer, it's important to delve deeper into their features and characteristics to determine the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housing. The Mamba's top housing is made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, while the Polaris Gray's top housing is made of polycarbonate. The Mamba's blend offers a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. From an aesthetic standpoint, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting, making it ideal for the top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM material, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. Conversely, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, similar to its top housing. Again, the translucent nature of polycarbonate proves valuable for the Polaris Gray, especially when it comes to RGB lighting.
While both switches use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, it is worth mentioning that they still offer slightly different sound profiles due to other factors such as construction and design. Nonetheless, these differences might not be noticeable to the untrained ear, meaning that users can expect similar results in terms of the sound when it comes to the Mamba's blend and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate materials. Additionally, the overall impact and feel of these switches will also be affected by the qualities of their respective bottom housings, making them distinct in their own way.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Gray exhibit contrasts in their housing materials, with the Mamba utilizing a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing and POM for its bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. These material differences result in varying sound profiles, with the Mamba offering a pleasant and bright sound while the Polaris Gray provides a sharper and crisper sound. However, despite these disparities, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile, especially between the Mamba's blend and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, while the actuation force for the Polaris Gray is also unavailable. This means that the actuation forces of both switches are unknown. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier and falls into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lightweight switch may lean towards the Mamba. The lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Gray. With its slightly heavier bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, which some users find more satisfying.
Although the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, we can speculate that since both switches are linear, the actuation forces may be similar. This similarity would result in comparable results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Gray will depend on personal preference regarding the desired weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have different travel distances. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Polaris Gray falls within the more common range of 4.0 mm, while the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This shorter travel distance can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Mamba with its shorter travel distance would be a preferable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Polaris Gray with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a clean and satisfying sound when pressed and released, producing a gliding typing sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also falls under the neutral category in terms of actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most typing purposes. Both switches are described as thocky, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating that they offer a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The combination of the mild feel and polished finish allows for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, while the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various typing intents and purposes. Additionally, they share common qualities of a thocky sound profile and a polished finish, resulting in satisfying tactile and auditory experiences. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a great typing experience. It's worth noting that individual preferences can vary, and the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also impact the overall sound and feel of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be more suitable. In terms of sound, the Mamba offers a neutral and thocky sound profile, while the Polaris Gray provides a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience and sound profile you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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