Durock Mamba vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and Durock Sea Glass are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Mamba switch, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, provides an exceptional linear typing experience accompanied by a gliding sensation and a rich, creamy sound. Its categorization as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' speaks to its balanced nature and smooth keypress. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend. While it emanates a dry, wispy feel, it remains surprisingly smooth and frictionless, defying its 62g bottom-out force. The Sea Glass switch also delivers a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds to its distinct typing experience. With its categorization as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press', it promises effortless keystrokes. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and Durock Sea Glass share similar housing materials for their top housing. Both switches utilize a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which creates a unique sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter. This similarity suggests that when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, users can expect comparable results from both switches. Whether typing on the Mamba or the Sea Glass, the top housing materials will contribute to a similar sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, there is a noticeable difference between the two switches. The Durock Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which results in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass incorporates the same polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend as its top housing for its bottom housing. This implies that users can anticipate a brighter and less muffled sound when bottoming out keys with the Sea Glass switch.
It is worth noting that the bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, whereas the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Durock Mamba, with its POM bottom housing, will provide a distinct deep and muted bottom-out sound, while the Durock Sea Glass, with its polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing, will offer a brighter and potentially livelier bottom-out sound. Despite these differences, the overall sound profile between the two switches may still share similarities due to the consistent use of the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, whereas the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of the bottom out force, the Mamba has a force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the Sea Glass has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, also falling in the medium range.
Considering weight in switch selection, individuals who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Mamba, as the actuation force is unknown, potentially indicating a lighter touch required. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on their fingers and allows for extended periods of comfortable use. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and desire a stronger push feel may lean towards the Sea Glass. With its slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a tactile feedback that can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, its medium bottom out force of 60 grams and the Sea Glass's slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams indicate that both switches offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. Therefore, individuals seeking a medium force typing experience could achieve similar results with either the Durock Mamba or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.8 mm, while the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.
For those who prefer a traditional travel distance or a deeper key press, the Sea Glass with its 3.8 mm travel distance could be a suitable choice. The additional 0.3 mm may provide a more satisfying and substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, if responsiveness is the utmost priority, the Mamba's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm might be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, often favor shorter travel distances as they can lead to faster response times during intense gaming sessions.
In summary, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a longer travel distance compared to the Durock Mamba linear switch. The decision between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences - whether one prioritizes a deeper, more substantial key press or a quicker, more responsive typing or gaming experience. Both switches have their advantages and choosing the appropriate one will ensure an enjoyable and tailored keyboard 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 best known for providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. It can be described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a deep, satisfying thocky sound when pressed. The Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. It is also considered polished, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is part of a captivating series featuring five pastel colors. These switches are known for their distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while typing. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. Typing on the Sea Glass switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature.
In terms of sound, the Mamba switch offers a deep and satisfying thocky sound, while the Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound. The specific sound of each switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mamba provides a gentle typing experience in a safe, middle-ground zone. It is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless and effortless typing experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. This switch is exceptionally light to press, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Durock Mamba and Sea Glass linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, with a neutral sound profile and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a distinct dry, wispier typing experience with a hollow sound signature, a frictionless feel, and an exceptionally light actuation force. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom-out force, both the Durock Mamba and Sea Glass switches would be suitable options for you. The Mamba switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, making them a great choice for those who enjoy a neutral or thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches have a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness to their typing experience, along with a uniquely hollow sound signature. They also have a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. Therefore, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, you may lean towards the Mamba switches. However, if you prioritize a highly smooth and effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force and a low-impact typing feel, the Sea Glass switches would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
