Durock Mamba vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Mamba is a linear switch that offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. It is known for its neutral and mild characteristics, as well as its "thocky" sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is also a linear switch that provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, one noticeable difference is the top housing. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which creates a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This distinction in sound characteristics can greatly affect the overall typing experience, as the Mamba offers a sharper and brighter sound upon key release compared to the Sunset Yellow.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Mamba and Sunset Yellow utilize POM housing material. This shared choice in material ensures that both switches create an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. The sound produced by the bottom housing is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, regardless of the specific switch variant. Therefore, whether you opt for the Mamba or the Sunset Yellow, you can expect similar qualities in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
However, it is important to note that while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. So, although the Mamba and Sunset Yellow share the same POM bottom housing, the differences in their top housings will result in varying experiences when typing. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE will create a brighter and sharper sound upon release, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing will bring a deeper and slightly more muted sound. So, depending on your preferences in sound and feedback, the choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the exact weight requirement for the Mamba is unavailable, whereas the Sunset Yellow requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Despite the lack of specific information for the Mamba, it is safe to assume that both switches offer a relatively light actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams of force, which can be considered medium, while the Sunset Yellow requires 51 grams of force, falling into the category of medium-light.
Considering the impact of weight on typing experiences, those looking for a lighter switch might lean towards the Sunset Yellow with its lower actuation force. This lighter weight allows for typing for longer periods of time, making it suitable for tasks such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Mamba, as it possesses a higher bottom out force. Those seeking a more tactile and robust typing experience would likely benefit from the heavier force requirement of the Mamba.
In conclusion, while specific information regarding the actuation force of the Mamba is currently unavailable, both switches offer comparable results in terms of actuation force. However, the Mamba does possess a slightly heavier bottom out force when compared to the Sunset Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's preference for either a lighter or stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers especially tend to favor shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Sunset Yellow may be the preferable option for you. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial depth to their key presses, the Durock Mamba's slightly longer travel distance could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can observe some differences. In terms of sound, the Mamba is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is described as having a bassy sound profile, with deeper and richer tones resembling bass tones. Both switches, however, share the descriptor of producing a thocky sound, which means they both offer a deep and satisfying sound profile when pressed and released.
Moving on to feel, the Mamba is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means it offers a gentle typing sensation and a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience. The Sunset Yellow, on the other hand, is described as offering a creamy and frictionless typing experience. This means it provides a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys without any sense of resistance or friction. Similar to the Mamba, the Sunset Yellow also shares the descriptor of having a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, while the Sunset Yellow provides a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a distinct gliding feel. While the Mamba has a neutral sound and a mild feel, the Sunset Yellow has a bassy sound and a creamy feel. Both switches, however, share the thocky descriptor in terms of sound and the polished descriptor in terms of feel. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either switch would be a suitable choice depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a neutral or thocky sound profile, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Additionally, if you prefer a mild and polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Mamba switch would provide a sleek and approachable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value a medium-light bottom out force and a bassy or thocky sound profile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a suitable option. These Creamsicle-colored switches offer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and decadent sound that adds an indulgent touch to typing. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. If you desire a creamy and frictionless feel, these switches will provide a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Overall, it's important to consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between the Durock Mamba and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches. By understanding your preferences and priorities, you can make an informed decision on which switch will enhance your typing experience. Happy typing!