Durock Mamba vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Sky V3, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Mamba, inspired by Kobe Bryant, offers a smooth and gliding typing experience paired with a rich auditory feedback, making it a great option for those who enjoy a 'Thocky' feel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 from Dareu boasts a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a wide range of typing preferences with its comfortable and precise typing feel. 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
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Sky V3 offer different sound profiles due to their unique compositions. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a sound profile that is bright and pleasant, while the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This difference is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the UHMWPE blend. However, both housing materials offer a unique aesthetic appeal, with the translucent nature of polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting setups.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba's POM housing produces a deep and muted sound profile, while the Sky V3's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the deeper profile of POM. These differences in sound can impact the overall typing experience and the tactile feedback provided by the switches. While both bottom housing materials offer unique characteristics, the choice between POM and nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards can greatly affect the typing experience and sound output of the switches. While the Durock Mamba and Dareu Sky V3 feature different top and bottom housing materials, each contributes to the overall sound profile in its own way. Whether you prefer a brighter and sharper sound like that of the Mamba's UHMWPE blend or a deeper and fuller sound like that of the Sky V3's nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two housing materials will depend on individual preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches, it is evident that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium resistance level. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 has a lower actuation force of 40 grams, providing a lighter touch. While the actuation force of the Mamba is not specified, it is clear that the Sky V3 requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Sky V3 a preferable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Mamba may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a slightly heavier force to press all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch. This means that the Mamba provides a slightly quicker key press experience compared to the Sky V3. Gamers who value fast response times may prefer the Mamba for this reason. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sky V3 with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Mamba catering to speed and the Sky V3 offering a more deliberate key press sensation.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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, both the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Sky V3 switches share a neutral profile, making them versatile for various typing environments. The Mamba offers a thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory experience, while the Sky V3 produces a more subdued sound, offering a quieter typing experience. Both switches will deliver a pleasant sound when pressed, with the Mamba leaning towards a richer tone and the Sky V3 offering a more subtle sound.
In terms of feel, both the Mamba and the Sky V3 switches provide a mild typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. The Mamba switch is described as having a polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch falls into the mild category as well, providing a comfortable typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a safe middle-ground feel that caters to a wide range of preferences.
Overall, when comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch to the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer a comfortable and versatile typing experience. While the Mamba switch leans towards a thocky sound and a polished feel, the Sky V3 switch provides a more subdued sound and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance from both switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, the Mamba might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and value a neutral sound signature with a medium-light weight, the Sky V3 could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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