Durock Mamba vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Mamba is a linear switch, known for its smooth typing experience and satisfying sound. It provides a gliding sensation when typing and emits a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch, offering a medium-high level of tactility. Its distinctive feature is its two-staged spring, which delivers a deep and resonating thock when typing. While the Mamba is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing different typing experiences depending on your preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Mamba features a top housing made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, offering a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Mamba and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in material composition, leading to variations in sound profiles. The Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and relatively more muted sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound. These differences in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its aesthetic advantage for switches featuring RGB lighting.
While the housing materials of the Mamba and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ for both their top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the qualities attributed to each material are split accordingly. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, both switches offer unique compositions that result in distinct auditory experiences, making them suitable choices for individuals with specific preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. Firstly, it is important to mention that the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is currently unavailable, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams. Although the specific actuation force of the Mamba is unknown, it is safe to assume that it would fall within a similar range to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Mamba has a measurement of 60 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63 grams, also classified as medium. This indicates that both switches provide a similar level of resistance when fully depressed.
Weight considerations come into play when deciding between these switches. For those individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Mamba or Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be suitable options. These switches allow for longer typing periods, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if a user prefers a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push, they may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is unavailable, we can assume it falls within a similar range to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both switches have medium bottom out forces, with the Mamba at 60 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 63 grams. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is considered on the shorter side of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance, the Mamba provides a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. This shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. However, those who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced tactile feedback may find the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring more to their liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on the individual's preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 offers a neutral profile, creating a moderate and satisfying auditory experience. Its sound can be described as a rich and creamy "thock" when pressed and released, providing a deep and soft sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound. It offers a high-pitched sound, which is sharp and crisp when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Mamba providing a more neutral and thocky experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a clacky and high-pitched sound.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The Mamba switch also features a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the use of high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a sharp and distinct tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity. It falls into the category of accented switches, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. The Shadow switch also features a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a super responsive and spring-like sensation, giving the keys a lively rebound when pressed. Additionally, it has a stepped switch design, offering a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, offering a neutral and thocky sound profile. Its feel is described as mild and polished, giving a gentle and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow switch offers a medium-high level of tactility with deep and resonating thocks when typing. Its sound profile is clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound. The feel of the Shadow switch is characterized by a sharp and accented tactile bump, along with a snappy, bouncy, and stepped typing experience. While both switches have their own unique qualities, if you are seeking a similar sound profile, the Mamba switch may offer a neutral option that can provide a similar auditory experience. Similarly, if you desire a tactile feedback similar to the Shadow switch, options with a sharp and accented tactile bump can provide a comparable feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, typing on the Mamba switches is a pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. The long, two-staged spring in the Shadow switch provides a satisfying tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound when typing, the clacky and high-pitched sound profile of the Shadow switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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