Durock Mamba vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

The mechanical keyboard market offers a wide range of options to cater to different typing preferences. Two popular choices are the Durock Mamba, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. The Mamba is best known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth typing experience with a rich and creamy auditory feedback. It falls under the categories of being neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out due to its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. Its sound profile is snappy, and it falls under the categories of being neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different individuals. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch selection for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Mamba features a top housing made from a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a pleasant and bright sound profile without being overly sharp. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, albeit with contrasting characteristics.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba incorporates a POM material, which generates a deeper and more muted sound. This bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the bottom and top housings of these switches differ, they both contribute to the overall sound and tactile experience, but in varying ways.

However, it's important to note that if a switch's top and bottom housings are the same material, such as polycarbonate in the case of the Polaris Purple, their qualities will be evenly distributed throughout the switch. Whether pressing down or letting go of a key, the sound and feel will remain consistent. Both switches take advantage of the stiffer nature of polycarbonate to create a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Purple comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a unique and pleasant sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether you prefer a brighter or deeper sound profile, both switches deliver satisfying results. Furthermore, if RGB lighting is a consideration, the Polaris Purple's translucent polycarbonate top housing becomes particularly advantageous.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare them in this aspect. However, we do know that the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push and more substantial typing experience, resulting in a preference for switches with heavier forces.

In terms of actuation force, the exact measurement is unavailable for both the Mamba and the Polaris Purple switches. However, assuming they are within a similar range, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes.

When bottoming out, the Mamba requires a force of 60 grams, which is medium. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This indicates that the Polaris Purple switch may provide a slightly more robust typing experience compared to the Mamba.

Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Mamba may be the more suitable option, whereas those seeking a heavier and more substantial feel may opt for the Polaris Purple.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mamba. The Polaris Purple falls within the more traditional travel distance range of 4.0 mm, while the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance.

For those seeking a faster response time, the shorter travel distance of the Mamba may be preferred, particularly by gamers who value quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple to be more satisfying.

In conclusion, while the travel distances of the two switches differ slightly, both can still provide a satisfactory typing or gaming experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Mamba offering a shorter travel distance and the Polaris Purple providing a slightly longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile and are suitable for most typing purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you are using them at home or at work. However, the Mamba switch is also described as having a "thocky" sound, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Polaris Purple switch is simply described as neutral. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Mamba and the Polaris Purple switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. As a result, the sound and feel of these switches will be approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The polished finish can be achieved through the type of materials used or factory lubing.

Based on the available information, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch share several similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most typing purposes. They also offer a mild and approachable typing experience, with a smooth and polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if you choose either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba switches are a great choice for you. These switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches are the way to go. With their big tactile bump, you can expect an exhilarating typing experience and a snappy sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Furthermore, the polished finish of these switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Mamba and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches boils down to your preference for linear or tactile switches and your desired bottom out force.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more