Durock Mamba vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Mamba and Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a unique typing experience with their linear design. The Mamba switch pays homage to Kobe Bryant and provides a smooth typing sensation along with a rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Snow switch distinguishes itself by utilizing POK material in its construction, resulting in a deeper sound when typing. While the Mamba is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Thocky', the Snow is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Snow offer unique sound profiles and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mamba's housing is a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which provides a pleasant and brighter sound profile. In contrast, the Snow's POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, with a clacky sound profile that is smooth and long-lasting. While the Mamba focuses on a unique blend for a brighter sound, the Snow prioritizes smoothness and durability for a satisfying typing experience.
The bottom housings of the Mamba and Snow also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, enhancing the typing experience with a unique profile. On the other hand, the Snow's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. Both bottom housings play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches, providing different experiences for users based on their preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Snow ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Mamba offers a blend of nylon and UHMWPE for a brighter sound, the Snow utilizes POK and nylon for a smoother and clacky typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound with the Mamba or a fuller, smoother sound with the Snow, both housing materials provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their desired sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch both have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equal in terms of how much force is needed to fully press the key. However, the actuation force of the Mamba is None grams, meaning it requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Snow switch slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. When comparing the two, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Snow switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the Mamba for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, providing a similar typing experience in that regard.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Dareu Snow switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Durock Mamba switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba and Dareu Snow linear switches both offer a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The Mamba has a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, while the Snow adds a low-pitched element to its sound signature, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, both switches will provide a rich auditory experience, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference in terms of pitch and depth.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feedback. This switch is also polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Again, the choice between these switches will depend on whether a more subtle and polished typing experience or a bouncy and vibrant feel is preferred.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba and Dareu Snow linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a neutral and mild typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Snow introduces a low-pitched element to its sound signature and a bouncy feel to its typing experience. Whether you prefer a smoother and polished feel or a more lively and bouncy sensation, both switches are sure to offer a gliding typing experience with a rich and creamy auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound profile that aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you're looking for a smooth linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, you may want to choose the Durock Mamba. This switch offers a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile suitable for various uses. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel when typing, the Dareu Snow linear switch, with its use of POK material and low-pitched sound, may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your typing style and sound preference when making your decision.
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