Durock Mamba vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer distinctive feels and sounds. The Durock Mamba and HMX Sunset Gleam, both linear switches, present unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Durock Mamba, known for its tribute to legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant, delivers a smooth, gliding typing sensation complemented by a rich and creamy auditory profile; it’s categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balanced tactile feedback without the interruption of clicks. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, introduces a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack that many users find appealing, thanks in part to its exceptional factory lubrication and thoughtfully chosen materials. This switch embodies a combination of feel and sound that caters to those who desire a little more auditory response without compromising smoothness. Each switch has its own strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and uses; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it is evident that each switch utilizes different top housing materials, which in turn produce distinctive sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing is made from a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound that is described as pleasant, with a slight brightness but not overly piercing. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is both crisper and resonant due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This difference suggests that while both switches can achieve satisfying sound experiences, the Mamba leans towards a more rounded auditory profile, whereas the Sunset Gleam caters to those who prefer clearer and more articulated sounds.

Looking at the bottom housings, we find a similarity in the rich sound profiles they offer, although they are constructed from different materials. The Mamba's POM bottom housing delivers a deeper and more pleasing sound that is relatively muted, ideal for users seeking a smooth keystroke experience. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that also absorbs sound effectively due to nylon's softer characteristics. While the materials differ, both switches achieve a depth of sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Thus, despite their material differences, both switches provide a complementary bottom-out feel that can cater to various preferences for sound richness.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch influences the overall typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top on the Sunset Gleam contrasts with the softer nylon of its bottom, effectively creating a more pronounced separation of sound qualities between the two. In the Mamba, the blend of nylon and UHMWPE for the top housing balances with the muted POM bottom. Therefore, while each switch showcases distinct strengths through its housing materials, similar auditory results can be achieved through careful selection based on user preferences; if an individual seeks a specific sound profile—such as the crisper tones of the Sunset Gleam or the softer nuances of the Mamba—they can expect to find a fulfilling auditory experience from either model.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba's actuation force is unspecified, but it possesses a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is classified as medium. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam significantly lighter overall, which may appeal to those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Mamba provides a heavier bottoming out experience, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile sensation. Ultimately, if one is seeking a lighter typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better choice, while the Durock Mamba may be favored by those who appreciate a firmer feel when typing.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This equal measurement means that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on either switch, as both require the same amount of travel to engage. The consistency in travel distance allows for comparable performance in terms of responsiveness and typing experience, making both switches suitable for users seeking a linear feel without the variation in actuation depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switches offer a rich and creamy auditory experience that balances the thocky profile with a neutral timbre. This makes them versatile for various environments, whether you’re at home or in the office, as they possess a moderate sound output that won't be too loud or disruptive. The deep, satisfying "thud" produced upon actuation adds an element of tactile pleasure to the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches do not have a specified sound profile available, leaving their acoustic characteristics largely unspecified. It’s important to consider that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Mamba switches deliver a mild and polished experience, emphasizing gentle typing sensations that avoid extremes in tactile feedback or resistance. This makes them more accessible for new users and comfortable for extended typing sessions. The smoothness stems from quality materials and factory lubrication, allowing for seamless key travel without the friction typically associated with less refined switches. The feel of the Sunset Gleam switches, however, is not detailed; therefore, it remains unclear how they might compare in terms of tactile sensation and overall typing smoothness.

In conclusion, while the Durock Mamba linear switches provide a known and well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches leave a few questions unanswered in those same areas. If you're leaning towards a switch known for its rich sound and smooth feel, the Mamba is a reliable choice, while the Sunset Gleam's performance remains a mystery that could be explored further with user feedback. Ultimately, if both switches are compatible with your setup, you will likely experience similar outcomes in terms of usability, but the Mamba's established qualities provide a clearer picture for those seeking specific feedback preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a rich, creamy auditory experience along with a gliding sensation during typing, the Durock Mamba is your ideal choice. Its thocky sound profile adds an immersive quality to your keystrokes, making it well-suited for both home and work environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and are looking for a switch that offers a deep yet subtle typing experience, the HMX Sunset Gleam might be the better option for you. This switch’s carefully engineered blend of materials provides an enjoyable tactile feedback along with satisfying auditory cues, thanks to the excellent factory lube that enhances its smoothness. In essence, go for the Mamba for a balanced all-rounder that combines sound and feel, or opt for the Sunset Gleam for a lighter, more nuanced experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more