Durock Mamba vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often hinges on personal preference and typing experience. The Durock Mamba, celebrated as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, stands out for its smooth linear action, delivering a gliding typing sensation paired with a rich and creamy auditory experience. This switch embodies a neutral and mild feel, often described as "thocky" and "polished," making it an appealing option for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on providing an ultra-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a lightweight 43g bottom-out force, this switch caters to light typists who prioritize a serene setting, free from disruptive sound. Each switch carries its unique appeal—whether you seek an engaging and tactile auditory experience with the Mamba or the whisper-quiet ambiance offered by the Silent Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, it's clear that the two switches employ very different materials for the top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Durock Mamba features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, providing a sound that is characterized as bright and pleasant without being sharp. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a classic nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches use nylon in their top housings, the addition of UHMWPE in the Mamba adds that extra layer of brightness, making the Mamba sound distinctly different from the Silent Sakura even though they both provide a viable option for users seeking a pleasant typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, the Durock Mamba uses POM, which is known for delivering a deeper, more muted sound profile that tends to feel more nuanced when bottoming out. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing. The characteristics of polycarbonate lean towards a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer composition. This stark difference in bottom housing materials means that the Durock Mamba, with its POM housing, leans towards a more subdued and mellow response, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a clearer and resonant sound. Thus, when the keys are pressed down, the unique sound and feel characteristics of each housing material are brought to life, which affects the overall auditory experience in distinct ways.
Overall, while both the Durock Mamba and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g may appear to be designed for similar switch experiences, the contrasting materials used for their top and bottom housings lead to varied auditory profiles and tactile sensations. For users seeking a balance between sound quality and typing feel, understanding these differences can empower them to choose the switch that best meets their preferences. If users are looking for similar results, they might consider using similar typing techniques or even tweaking their keyboard acoustics through sound-dampening materials, which can help mitigate the inherent differences fostered by the varied housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Mamba switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, showcasing a distinctly lighter typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Sakura is advantageous for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Mamba may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter option with an overall lower force requirement, the Mamba adds some weight with its medium bottom out force, appealing to those who seek a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinct experiences. The Durock Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, which can lead to quicker response times, an appealing feature for gamers who prefer more immediate feedback. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g possesses a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the more traditional travel distance and providing a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed. For those who appreciate a heartier press, the Silent Sakura may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for travel distance, with the Mamba catering to those who favor quicker actuation and the Sakura appealing to users who enjoy a firmer depth.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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 switches offer a neutral and thocky auditory profile. The neutral aspect makes them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office, while the thocky quality contributes a deep and satisfying “thud” with each keystroke that many typists find enjoyable. In stark contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed to create a whisper-quiet typing experience. These switches produce a soft, gentle sound, akin to raindrops lightly tapping against a window, making them an excellent option for those who wish to avoid disturbing their surroundings.
In terms of feel, the Mamba switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature allows for an approachable interaction that suits both novice and expert typists, while the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel with minimal friction, enhancing the overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, however, do not have any specific described feel qualities available, but given their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, we can infer a lightweight and potentially comfortable feel, especially for light typists.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a switch that delivers a rich auditory experience with a smooth typing sensation, the Durock Mamba would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if your priority is a quiet environment with a gentle sound profile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches would better suit your needs. Overall, the Mamba delivers a rounded experience perfect for varied environments, while the Silent Sakura provides a serene typing atmosphere, catering to those who prefer minimal acoustics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your typing habits and the specific conditions in which you plan to use your keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your decision will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a medium actuation force and enjoy a rich auditory experience while typing, the Mamba switch will be your best bet. It not only provides a delightful thocky sound that can enhance your typing enjoyment but also features a smooth and polished feel for a satisfying typing experience. This makes it ideal for users who want a balance between performance and sound, whether for work or leisure. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and lighter typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch would be more suitable, especially in noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared spaces. With its ultra-light 43g bottom out force and smooth keystrokes, you can enjoy a serene typing experience that won’t disturb those around you. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and setting to make an informed choice between these two excellent switches.
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