Durock Mamba vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Akko Rosewood stand out as two notable linear options, each offering a unique typing experience. The Mamba switches, inspired by the legacy of Kobe Bryant, deliver a smooth and gliding sensation during typing, enhanced by a rich, creamy auditory feedback that many users find delightful. They are often praised for their neutral, mild feedback, and thocky sound profile, making them a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches shine with their deep, satisfying thocky sound that resonates beautifully right out of the box, thanks to a carefully applied layer of factory lubricant, which enhances both the auditory and tactile experience. While the Mamba offers a well-rounded feel perfect for those seeking a balanced switch, the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate a pronounced auditory signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Akko Rosewood both utilize nylon in their top housing materials, but they differ distinctly in the composition and resulting sound profiles they offer. The Mamba features a unique blend of polymer nylon and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), leading to a brighter sound profile that is characterized as pleasant without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Rosewood opts for classic nylon throughout, which naturally provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties. The difference in material blends suggests that while both keyboards use nylon, the Mamba's incorporation of UHMWPE enhances brightness, making the auditory experience somewhat different from the more muted and rounder sound characteristic of the Rosewood's all-nylon top housing.
Examining the bottom housing, the Mamba employs POM (polyoxymethylene), renowned for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, which further accentuates the unique auditory experience of the switch. On the other hand, the Rosewood utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, mirroring the more subdued sound profile that comes from this classic material. Both switches thus provide a deeper and fuller sound experience, but differ in their dynamics. The Mamba's POM bottom housing emphasizes a different tonal quality that may be preferred by users looking for a more distinct bottom-out sound. This contrast reflects how variations in bottom housing material influence the overall feel and sound on key press and release.
While both the Durock Mamba and Akko Rosewood keyboards strive for pleasing auditory results, their varying material combinations create unique sound profiles. The Mamba’s polymer blend and POM bottom lead to a brighter yet muted combination, ideal for users appreciating a sharp auditory cue while typing. Meanwhile, the Rosewood's consistent use of nylon in both top and bottom housing delivers a softer, more consistent sound experience, emphasizing the rich, rounded acoustics typically associated with nylon. By understanding these distinctions, users can select a keyboard that aligns more closely with their desired typing experience, whether it be the nuanced character of the Mamba or the classic satisfaction of the Rosewood.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorized as medium, but its actuation force is unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding its overall responsiveness when typing. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch boasts a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Rosewood switch provides a lighter feel, making it more ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. Given this information, the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option, while the Durock Mamba is the heavier switch overall, allowing users who prefer a more forceful typing experience to lean toward the Mamba. For those seeking a switch suited for longer use without fatigue, the Rosewood’s lighter actuation force may be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see a clear distinction: the Mamba features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Rosewood has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights the Mamba’s suitability for gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as its shorter travel distance allows for more immediate actuation. Conversely, the 4 mm travel distance of the Rosewood aligns more with traditional preferences, offering a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive typing experience, the Durock Mamba would be the ideal choice, whereas the Akko Rosewood caters to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keypresses.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 characteristics, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a rich auditory experience. This switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep, satisfying feedback with a soft knock when pressed. The Mamba’s sound is further complemented by its neutral qualities, making it versatile for various environments—be it at home or work. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch produces a similarly appealing auditory sensation straight out of the box. With its deep, satisfying thocky output, it delivers a solid acoustic performance, thanks in part to a factory-applied thin layer of lubricant, which enhances the depth and quality of sound. Both switches ensure an enjoyable typing experience, emphasizing similar thocky sounds.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch excels with its mild and polished characteristics. This means it provides a gentle typing sensation while ensuring a smooth and refined finish, thanks to its design and possible factory lubrication. The polishing aspect translates into reduced friction, which contributes to seamless key travel. Unfortunately, the feel qualities of the Akko Rosewood linear switch are not specified, leaving a gap in this comparison. However, the tactile experience may vary based on personal preferences and typing styles, which could mean users may find unique sensations even if the Rosewood aims for performance along similar lines.
In summary, both the Durock Mamba and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer enticing sound profiles with their thocky resonances, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience. The Mamba stands out with its mild and polished feel, while the Rosewood leaves some unknowns in terms of tactile qualities. Ultimately, those seeking a smooth typing experience coupled with gratifying sounds from their key presses will find both switches capable of delivering similar results, making either a worthy choice based on sound preference and desired typing feel.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balanced and versatile switch with a medium actuation force, a polished feel, and a creamy auditory experience, the Mamba is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for both work and home environments, making it a good fit for beginners and seasoned typists alike. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter keypress with a satisfying thocky sound and a more pronounced auditory feedback right out of the box, then the Rosewood may be the better option for you. Its deep sound can provide a delightful tactile sensation, especially if you enjoy more pronounced acoustics while typing. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and sound preferences; the Mamba offers a smooth and refined experience, while the Rosewood delivers a richer auditory payoff.
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