Durock Mamba vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Mamba and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Mamba is renowned for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a delightful typing experience with a smooth gliding sensation and a rich, creamy auditory feedback. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', this switch promises a balanced and satisfying performance. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch entices users with its attractive pink and clear housings. Renowned for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, it boasts descriptors such as 'Low-pitched', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. These unique features provide an appealing option for those seeking a luxurious typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch, so you can determine which one best suits your personal preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

KTT Strawberry Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$4.91 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Strawberry, it is evident that they offer contrasting sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing, made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, provides a pleasant and bright sound. It is not particularly sharp, but it offers a unique tone. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a brighter sound, the Mamba's housing material would be more suitable, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing is ideal for those who prefer a sharper sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes a POM material that produces a deep and muted sound profile. This material lends a unique quality to the switch's sound. Conversely, the Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which again produces a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper and muted sound, the Mamba's POM bottom housing is the better option, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound.

Although the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Strawberry differ, the impact they have on the switches' sound profiles remains the same. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the variation in materials, both switches aim to deliver an optimized auditory experience. Therefore, depending on whether you prioritize the bottom or top sound of the switch, you can expect similar results from either the Mamba or the Strawberry.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Strawberry linear switches, there are some similarities and differences to note. Firstly, the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, while the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force that falls within the medium range, with the Mamba at 60 grams and the Strawberry at 62 grams.

In terms of weight, the Mamba's actuation force being unknown makes it difficult to determine its overall weight compared to the Strawberry. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch, the Strawberry with its lower actuation force may be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods without as much finger fatigue.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces. In this case, the bottom out force of both the Mamba and Strawberry are relatively similar, with the Mamba being slightly lighter at 60 grams compared to the Strawberry's 62 grams.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Durock Mamba is unknown, its bottom out force is lighter than the KTT Strawberry. However, both switches fall within the medium range and would provide a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier switch is desired.

Travel distance

The travel distance of switches can greatly impact the typing or gaming experience. In the case of the Durock Mamba linear switch, it offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is considered on the shorter side. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. It's worth noting that a travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, while a shorter travel distance is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Durock Mamba with its shorter travel distance is a suitable choice. However, if you appreciate a more substantial key press and the feeling of depth, the KTT Strawberry's longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches comes down to personal preference for responsiveness versus a more pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Mamba linear switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. In terms of sound, the Mamba switch can be described as neutral and thocky. A neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. The Mamba switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Mamba switch is described as mild and polished. A mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Durock Mamba switch provides a fluid and uniform typing sensation, similar to a buttery and silky switch.

The KTT Strawberry linear switch, on the other hand, is best known for its attractive pink and clear housings, smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. In terms of sound, the Strawberry switch is characterized as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The exact sound profile of the Strawberry switch may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing exceptionally smooth keypresses. Similar to the Mamba switch, the Strawberry switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Strawberry switch provides a buttery and seamless keystroke experience.

In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer smooth and refined typing experiences with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Mamba switch is characterized by a rich and creamy auditory experience and a gliding typing sensation, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Both switches provide deep, satisfying sound profiles, with the Mamba switch being described as neutral and thocky, and the Strawberry switch being characterized as low-pitched. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches, allowing them to enjoy a pleasant typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider your personal preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and a reliable performance, the Strawberry switches would be a suitable option.

In terms of sound, the Mamba switches offer a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. They also provide a thocky sound when pressed and released, adding a deep and satisfying tone to your typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry switches have a low-pitched sound, which gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

When it comes to feel, the Mamba switches offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, they have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches provide a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They are also described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Similar to the Mamba switches, the Strawberry switches also have a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you desire. Consider whether you prioritize a gliding sensation and rich auditory experience (Mamba) or a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance (Strawberry). Additionally, take into account the sound profiles and feel descriptors provided for each switch to ensure it aligns with your personal preferences. Remember that both switches have medium bottom out forces, making them suitable for most users. In the end, choose the switch that will enhance your typing experience and provide the most enjoyment for your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more