Durock Mamba vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as popular options to consider. The Durock Mamba is a linear switch, known for its smooth gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch, offering a snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Purple Sakura is classified as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Depending on your preference, you may want to choose the Mamba for its linear typing experience or the Purple Sakura for its tactile feedback. 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

Sarokeys Purple Sakura Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$4.00

$3.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both offer unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provide a bright and pleasant sound, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer distinct advantages - the polymer blend provides a softer and more balanced sound, while the polycarbonate offers a more resonant and clear sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the auditory experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba's POM material delivers a muted and deep sound profile, contrasting with the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura, which offers a fuller and rounder sound. The POM material absorbs less sound, resulting in a clearer and crisper bottom-out sound, while the softer nylon material creates a deeper and more absorbing typing experience. This distinction highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, allowing for customization based on individual preferences.

While the Durock Mamba and Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall impact on the typing experience is unique to each switch. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound upon key release. Whether opting for the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Mamba or the polycarbonate and nylon blend of the Purple Sakura, users can expect a tailored typing experience based on the chosen housing materials. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages for those seeking a specific sound profile and typing feel.

Weight

The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of the force needed to fully press the keys. However, the Mamba has a lower actuation force of None grams, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Purple Sakura requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Mamba. This lighter actuation force may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience or for tasks that require rapid and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mamba may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel when typing, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference, with the Mamba offering a heavier feel and the Purple Sakura providing a lighter touch for typing.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Mamba offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed compared to the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound experience that is suitable for various typing environments and preferences. The Mamba switch adds a thocky element, producing a deep and satisfying sound, while the Purple Sakura provides a more mild and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics of this switch provide a gentle typing sensation, suitable for most users, while the polished finish ensures smooth and refined key presses with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy. The buttery feel indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, offering effortless typing, while the mild and snappy qualities make the switch responsive and enjoyable to type on.

Overall, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provide unique and desirable qualities for different preferences. While the Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation with a thocky sound and a polished feel, the Purple Sakura delivers a snappy tactile response with a buttery downstroke and a mild sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer linear or tactile switches and your personal sound and feel preferences, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a smooth and gliding typing experience with a rich auditory feedback, the Mamba switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile response with a snappy feel and a buttery downstroke, the Purple Sakura switch could be more suitable. Both switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, making them versatile options for various typing tasks. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the sound and feel you desire in your mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Sarokeys Purple Sakura Tactile

$4.00

$3.15 per 10

Learn more