Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Red Panda. The Mamba is a linear switch, designed to provide a smooth and seamless typing experience. Known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant, the Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch, offering a light-medium amount of tactility while typing. With a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Red Panda delivers a unique auditory experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Mamba offers a range of desirable qualities. On the other hand, the Red Panda falls into the categories of 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Red Panda differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which offers a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile. In contrast, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. While both provide a distinct sound experience, the Mamba aims for a balanced and pleasant tone, whereas the Red Panda leans towards a crisper and more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM material known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. This complements the Mamba's top housing well, adding depth and richness to the overall typing experience. Alternatively, the Red Panda utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but still satisfying auditory experience. In terms of sound, the Mamba emphasizes a deeper and more muted profile, while the Red Panda focuses on a fuller and more absorbing sound quality.
Ultimately, the different housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Outemu Red Panda provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. If seeking a switch that offers a balanced and pleasant sound, the Mamba with its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and POM bottom housing would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if aiming for a sharper and crisper sound with a fuller and rounder tone, the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing would suit those preferences. Both switches present unique options for those desiring specific sound characteristics and typing sensations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. However, the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, while the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams.
Considering weight as an important factor, some users may prefer a lighter switch, such as the Red Panda, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more forceful and substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force.
While specific information about the actuation force of the Mamba is not provided, it can be inferred that the Red Panda's actuation force is lighter than the Mamba since it is explicitly stated at 50 grams. Consequently, if the actuation force of the Mamba is lower or around 50 grams, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
In summary, the Durock Mamba has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Outemu Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. This makes them suitable for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Mamba has a slightly longer travel distance, making it the better choice for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Overall, while the travel distances of the two switches are similar, the Mamba offers a slightly longer travel distance for those who desire a bit more depth in their 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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 is known for offering a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, commonly referred to as a "thocky" sound. This results in a gliding typing sensation and a creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch also produces a thocky sound when pressed, which is characterized by a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." However, since the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, it is essential to consider these aspects to achieve the desired sound with either switch.
Regarding feel, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer a mild and approachable typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, further enhancing the typing feel. The Red Panda switch does not have any additional descriptors for feel, suggesting that its feel aligns with the mild typing experience characteristic.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba switch offers a neutral sound profile with a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, while the Red Panda switch produces a thocky sound with a bassier bottom-out and a clackier top-out. Both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions. However, it's important to consider other factors such as keyboard boards and keycaps to achieve the desired sound with either switch. Overall, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard switch world can expect satisfying results from both switches, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a linear switch that provides a smooth and gliding typing experience, along with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Red Panda is worth considering.
In terms of sound, both switches fall under the "thocky" category, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. However, the Mamba also offers a more neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, while the Red Panda focuses more on the "thocky" sound.
When it comes to feel, both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, making them approachable for most users. The Mamba also offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, potentially enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, you should consider your typing preferences and the desired sound and feel when making a decision. Whether you prioritize the gliding sensation and creamy sound of the Mamba or the light-medium tactility and "thocky" sound of the Red Panda, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. So, weigh your priorities and choose accordingly!
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