Durock Mamba vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Quinn are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Mamba, with its linear design, is best known for providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as "Neutral", "Mild", "Thocky", and "Polished", the Mamba switches offer a smooth and consistent keypress without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Quinn switches are tactile switches that provide a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With its specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke on the Quinn switch delivers a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump along with a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Categorized as "Snappy", "Bassy", "Polished", "Bouncy", "Clacky", "Accented", "Buttery", "Creamy", "Low-pitched", and "Resonant", the Quinn switches offer a tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a bright and pleasant sound profile without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While they both offer pleasing sound profiles, the Mamba focuses more on brightness, while the Quinn emphasizes a deeper and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Mamba incorporates a POM material that results in a deeper and relatively muted sound. This creates a distinct sound profile that leans towards a deeper tone. Conversely, the Quinn utilizes a nylon bottom housing that contributes to the overall sound of the switch. Similar to its top housing, the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches provide a different experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel, with the Mamba focusing on a muted sound and the Quinn offering a fuller sound.
However, it should be noted that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the switch's sound. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact on the sound will be influenced by the top housing. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Quinn deliver pleasing sound profiles, with the bottom and top housing materials each playing a role in shaping the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is important to consider the weight of each switch. Unfortunately, the actuation force of the Mamba switch is unavailable, while the Quinn switch has an actuation force of 59 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force listed. The Mamba switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls within the medium range, while the Quinn switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier at a medium-heavy level.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing switches, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, which is ideal for those using keyboards at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from switches with heavier forces.
Despite the unavailable actuation force of the Mamba switch, it is likely safe to assume that it falls within a similar range as the Quinn switch, given that they are both categorized as medium in terms of bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may find either the Mamba or Quinn switch suitable. However, those preferring a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Quinn switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, the Quinn switch has a slightly heavier weight. This makes it more suitable for individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience. However, as the actuation force of the Mamba switch is unknown, it may be comparable to the Quinn switch, providing similar results for individuals seeking a lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Choosing the Mamba with its 3.5 mm travel distance will provide a slightly deeper key press, while opting for the Quinn with its 3.4 mm travel distance will offer a slightly shallower key press. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and whether you prefer a more responsive and quick feel or a deeper and more substantial 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
The Durock Mamba linear switch is known for providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. This can be described as a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. The sound produced by the Mamba is characterized as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The feel of the Mamba switch can be described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The sound produced by the Quinn switch can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. It provides a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The feel of the Quinn switch can be described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a super responsive and lively typing sensation with smooth and fluid keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, characterized by a thocky sound and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile, characterized by a bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant sound and a snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy feel. Based on the information provided, if a user is seeking similar results in terms of sound or feel, they can choose the switch that matches their desired qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice. It offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. The Mamba switches also provide a rich and creamy auditory experience, giving a satisfying thocky sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and a crisp, light switch-like tactility, the Gateron Quinn would be the way to go. The specially designed nylon housings of the Quinn switches contribute to a deep and resonant sound profile, offering a bassy, clacky, and low-pitched auditory experience. Additionally, the Quinn switches have a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Quinn depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the sound and feel you desire while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prioritize a rich and immersive sound profile or a precise and crisp tactile bump, these switches cater to different preferences and offer a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that matches your typing style and brings joy to your daily keyboard usage.
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