Durock Mamba vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the KTT Rose both offer unique features that make them stand out from the rest. The Mamba is praised for its smooth linear typing experience, providing a gliding sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, users are treated to a rich and creamy auditory experience, making typing even more enjoyable. On the other hand, the Rose switches offer a visually striking design, but there's more to them than meets the eye. These switches utilize progressive springs, providing a substantial typing experience without feeling too heavy. The result? Typing on the Rose switches is akin to hearing bassy raindrops, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to every keystroke. While these generalities give us a glimpse into the strengths of each switch, it's important to dive deeper into their characteristics to choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the KTT Rose have contrasting housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. While the Mamba's top housing is made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, the Rose features a polycarbonate top housing. The Mamba's blend offers a pleasant, bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp, while the Rose's polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Mamba's translucent top housing allows for RGB lighting, whereas the Rose's polycarbonate is more likely to be used for clear housings. Despite their differences, both switches provide a unique sound experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Mamba and the Rose contribute to the deeper tones of the switches. The Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which creates a pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the Rose's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon in the Rose absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Depending on the switch, the bottom housing's qualities will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel.
When it comes to the overall sound experience, the composition of the top and bottom housings in both the Mamba and the Rose creates a unique combination. The Mamba's blend and POM housing contribute to a pleasant and deeper sound, while the Rose's polycarbonate and nylon result in a sharper and fuller tone. Both switches offer their own distinct sound profiles, giving users the opportunity to choose a switch that matches their preferred sound preference. Whether it's the Mamba's bright and muted blend or the Rose's sharp and round polycarbonate, users can expect a satisfying typing experience when using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is worth noting that the actuation force for both switches is unknown. However, it can be inferred that they are likely similar since they are both categorized as medium switches. The Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium, while the KTT Rose has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they should opt for switches with heavier forces. With the Mamba and Rose switches, the Mamba can be considered the lighter option, although the specific actuation force is unknown. Overall, both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Rose linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is more shallow. However, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Durock Mamba may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance of the KTT Rose for a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, your personal preference and typing experience will determine which travel distance is more suitable for your needs.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they are using the keyboard at home or at work. The Mamba switch produces a satisfying deep "thocky" sound, akin to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released.
On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Typing on the Rose switches produces a pleasant sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Mamba and the Rose provide a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches offer a safe and approachable middle-ground zone in terms of their characteristics. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. The materials used and potential factory lubing result in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and KTT Rose linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound but provide a similar mild and polished typing experience. The Mamba is known for its neutral sound profile with a "thocky" deep sound, while the Rose produces a low-pitched sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops. However, both switches offer a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel due to their polished finish. Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba switches are a great option for you. These switches provide a rich and creamy auditory experience, making your typing sessions enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the KTT Rose switches are a good choice. The use of progressive springs in these switches offers a substantial yet not heavy typing experience, accompanied by bassy raindrop-like sounds. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. They also provide a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and KTT Rose switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force and sound profile.
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