Durock Mamba vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to compare and contrast are the Durock Mamba and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both linear switches. The Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'thocky', 'polished', the Mamba switch is a great option for those who appreciate a refined and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches boast resonant and clacky notes, along with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke. Categorized as 'clacky', 'resonant', 'silky', 'high-pitched', the Strawberry Wine switches are perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced and high-pitched typing sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, creating a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer a distinct and pleasing sound experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Mamba and Strawberry Wine (V2) once again diverge in their material choices. The Mamba incorporates a POM bottom housing, which complements the top housing's bright sound by adding depth and a more muted quality. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a nylon bottom housing known for producing a fuller and deeper sound. These contrasting bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound signature of each keyboard, offering users a variety of options based on their preferences.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ, they both aim to provide a unique sound experience for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a dynamic sound profile when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer a brighter sound with the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend or a deeper, fuller sound with the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM and nylon housings, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to satisfy discerning enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are noticeable differences that cater to different preferences. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, making it a light switch in terms of initial press sensitivity, while it requires 60 grams of force to bottom out, providing a medium level of resistance for typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Mamba, but still considered light by comparison. The bottom out force of the Strawberry Wine (V2) is 50 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Mamba. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter touch for typing, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be more suitable, while the Mamba offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for your typing needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Strawberry Wine (V2) the shorter option between the two. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more deliberate keypress may opt for a longer travel distance. Both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their slight difference in travel distance, so users can choose based on their own preferences for key feel 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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 and thocky typing experience, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various use cases. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. If you prefer a deeper and satisfying sound, the Mamba switch would be a great choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and crisper sound with a clean and sharp profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and polished typing sensation, offering a gentle and refined typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, on the other hand, offers a silky smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. If you prefer a switch with a smooth and refined finish, the Mamba switch would be a good fit. However, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is a great option to consider.
Overall, the Durock Mamba and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. Depending on whether you prefer a neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel or a clacky and resonant sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, you can choose between the two switches accordingly. Despite the differences in their subjective qualities, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a neutral or thocky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, the Mamba may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, resonant, or high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should come down to your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
Mentioned in this article
