Durock Mamba vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Mamba and HMX Poro both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike, though they do so in distinct ways. The Durock Mamba, a nod to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, is celebrated for its smooth, gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory feedback, providing a tactile experience that is simultaneously neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. This makes the Mamba an excellent choice for those who appreciate a versatile switch with a satisfying feel and sound for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switches take the experience to another level with their meticulous lubrication, allowing for silky smooth keystrokes and an ultra-light actuation force that delivers a blissful, effortless glide. Their poppy and clacky sound profile caters particularly well to users who enjoy a switch with more auditory feedback and lively performance. Both switches have compelling advantages depending on your typing preferences, but however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and HMX Poro switches present intriguing differences and similarities that influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Mamba switch boasts a top housing made from a unique blend of Polymer nylon and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). This combination is designed to produce a sound profile that is bright yet not overly sharp, resulting in a pleasant auditory experience. Conversely, the Poro switch utilizes a more traditional nylon top housing, known for generating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon contributes to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted profile compared to the Mamba's blend. Consequently, while both switches utilize nylon, the Mamba's distinctive combination introduces a sharper brightness that may appeal to users seeking clarity, while the Poro’s characteristic offers a more classic and rounded acoustic feel.

In terms of bottom housing, there is a notable divergence as well. The Mamba employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, lauded for its ability to create a distinctively deeper and more muted sound profile. This quality allows for a satisfying bottom-out experience when pressing the switch. On the other hand, the Poro also opts for a nylon bottom housing, amplifying the same benefits of sound absorption and roundness characteristic of its top housing. The critical difference here is that while the POM in the Mamba aims to enhance the overall sound by producing richer tones, the Poro’s nylon maintains a unified sound signature across both its top and bottom housings, creating a more consistent auditory experience.

Ultimately, the interplay of materials found in both the Mamba and Poro switches illustrates how the housing types can unite to create unique sound profiles while also maintaining similar core qualities. When pressed, the Mamba's blend and POM materials will offer a brighter, deeper, yet more muted sound, yielding a more diverse auditory experience. The Poro, with its uniform nylon build, offers a cohesive, full-bodied sound with a more traditional feel. Thus, while each switch carries distinct characteristics, players can draw similar results in terms of overall auditory satisfaction by selecting their preferred switch type based on the specific qualities of the materials used, whether that be the unique vibrancy of the Mamba or the classic sound signature of the Poro.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, but its actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to assess the overall typing experience for that specific parameter. In contrast, the Poro switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, demonstrating its lighter typing experience. Users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience might find the HMX Poro switch more suitable, especially for long hours of typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Mamba appeals to those who appreciate a more substantial, tactile feel when typing. Overall, the HMX Poro switch is the lighter option due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Durock Mamba, with its unknown actuation force and heavier bottom out, is positioned as the heavier alternative for users seeking a firmer keypress.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba and HMX Poro linear switches reveals a distinct difference between the two. The Mamba features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Poro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive keypress suitable for gaming, the Mamba may be the preferable choice due to its shorter distance, allowing for faster actuation. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced tactile experience and enjoy the feeling of deeper keypresses, the Poro’s 3.7 mm travel distance may be more satisfying. In summary, the Mamba is the shorter switch, and the Poro is the longer option, offering different advantages depending on the user’s preference for responsiveness versus key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba switches present a rich auditory experience characterized by a neutral tone, making them versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. They also feature a thocky sound profile, producing a deep, satisfying thud with each key press that can feel quite rewarding during typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches, while noted for their silky smooth keystrokes, lack a specific description of their sound profile. However, they are indicated to produce a poppy and clacky sound, suggesting a lighter, possibly more playful auditory character that may appeal to users looking for a lively typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may excel in different sound appeals, but the Mamba leans towards a deeper resonance, while the Poro appears to favor a lighter, more exciting tone.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba switches are recognized for their mild and polished characteristics. The mildness offers a gentle typing experience suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to more advanced typists. Their polished nature indicates a smooth, refined finish that results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, contributing to an effortlessly fluid typing experience. The HMX Poro switches, on the other hand, are described simply as providing silky smooth keystrokes, hinting at their refined feel. However, without further descriptors detailing their specific tactile characteristics, it’s unclear how they might compare with the Mamba’s mild and polished feel. Both switches do suggest an emphasis on smoothness, but the Mamba incorporates a nuanced experience that might appeal more broadly.

In summary, both the Durock Mamba and the HMX Poro linear switches prioritize smoothness and refined performance, catering to users who seek a satisfying typing experience. The Mamba's thocky sound profile and mild and polished feel provide a rich foundation for typing or gaming, whereas the HMX Poro switches potentially offer a distinct, lively experience with their poppy sound and silky keystrokes. Ultimately, while each switch has unique features, both promise similar results in terms of smooth operation and enjoyable sound, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for auditory and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you wish to have. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch that offers a rich auditory experience and a satisfying "thocky" sound profile, the Mamba is an excellent choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it strikes a balance that is suitable for both typing and gaming while providing a polished and mild feel, making it versatile for various environments, be it at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and desire a smoother and more effortless typing experience, the HMX Poro would better cater to your needs. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force allows for silky smooth keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, where speed and comfort are priorities. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so consider your typing style and desired feedback to choose the one that resonates best with you.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more