Durock Mamba vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Durock Mamba and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba is known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and delivers a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. It falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is praised for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. It is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that make them desirable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a unique sound that is bright but not particularly sharp. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced and higher-pitched sound. Aesthetically, the Mamba's blend offers a pleasant visual appeal, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes a POM material that generates a deeper and more muted sound. This adds a touch of richness to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This results in a duller and rounder tone, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile.
It is important to note that when a switch features different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the press and release actions of the key. Upon pressing down, the bottom housing's characteristics have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. When the key is released, the top housing takes center stage in affecting the sound produced. Therefore, although the Mamba and Sea Salt Lemon differ in their housing materials, both switches provide similar results in terms of offering unique sound profiles based on the combination of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Durock Mamba has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45-gram actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Mamba at 60 grams and the Sea Salt Lemon at 53 grams, indicating a similar level of resistance when fully pressed.
Considering weight as a factor, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon with its 45-gram actuation force. This lighter force allows for extended typing periods, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, with an unknown actuation force, does not provide a clear indication of its weight. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Mamba's 60-gram bottom out force suggests a heavier switch compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Durock Mamba remains unknown, the medium bottom out force of 60 grams suggests a slightly heavier switch when compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon's medium-light 53-gram bottom out force. However, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon's 45-gram actuation force may be a preferred option. Ultimately, it is important for individuals to consider their personal preferences and typing needs when selecting between these switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have different travel distances. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mamba's travel distance is shorter than the Sea Salt Lemon's. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Mamba would be a good option. However, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and they may prefer the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon switch if they prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Both switches offer distinct experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they use the switch at home or in a work setting. The sound produced by the Mamba switch can be described as a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch also has a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone. This means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, but the Mamba switch leans towards a deeper and richer sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a more mellow tone.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Mamba and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience. This means that the switches offer a more approachable feel to most typists, as their characteristics stand in a safe middle-ground zone. The Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel due to its smooth and refined finish, potentially thanks to factory lubing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is simply described as mild, suggesting a comfortable and gentle typing experience without specific details about its finish.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the Durock Mamba and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches excel in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the Mamba switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch boasts a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. In terms of sound, the Mamba switch produces a thocky sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the personal preferences of the newcomer, but either option will likely result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch with its 53 grams of force may be the better option for you. This switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon produces a low-pitched tone, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This switch also falls into the category of a neutral switch, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Mamba switch with its 60 grams of force could be your ideal choice. The Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. Its sound profile is described as both neutral and thocky, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, the Mamba switch is considered a mild switch, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Mamba and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a buttery smooth feel and a low-pitched sound, the Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a gliding typing sensation and a deep, satisfying sound, the Mamba switch is an excellent option. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and bottom out force preference when making your decision. Happy typing!
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