Durock Mamba vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering different mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the HMX Swift both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mamba, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and quiet typing experience, with a rich and creamy sound profile. On the other hand, the Swift, also a linear switch, stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smooth keypress feel, thanks to its full nylon housings. While the Mamba is noted for its neutral and mild characteristics, the Swift is described as clacky and bouncy. Ultimately, the choice between the two 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the HMX Swift, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a brighter sound profile, while the Swift's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users of both switches. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba creates a muted and deeper sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Swift adds to the overall fuller sound experience of the switch.
While both the Mamba and Swift switches utilize nylon in their housing materials, the specific blend and composition of the materials results in distinct sound profiles. The Mamba's use of a Nylon/UHMWPE blend in the top housing creates a unique and pleasant typing experience, whereas the Swift's nylon top housing provides a classic sound that is deep and full. This difference in sound profile can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with the Mamba offering a brighter tone and the Swift delivering a rounder sound. Furthermore, the impact of the bottom housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch cannot be overlooked, as the POM bottom housing of the Mamba adds a deeper tone while the nylon bottom housing of the Swift contributes to a fuller sound experience.
In terms of similarities, both switches highlight the importance of housing material in determining sound profiles. The Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing may offer a different sound compared to the Swift's nylon top housing, but both materials contribute to creating a pleasant typing experience. Similarly, the impact of the bottom housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch is evident in both the Mamba and Swift switches. Whether it is the deeper and more muted sound of the POM bottom housing in the Mamba or the fuller sound elicited by the nylon bottom housing of the Swift, it is clear that housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Mamba is None grams, while the Swift requires 42 grams to actuate. On the other hand, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the Swift's 50 grams. This means that the Mamba provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Swift offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Swift would be the ideal choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel and prefer higher actuation forces, the Mamba would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Swift being slightly longer than the Mamba. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Mamba due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Swift. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out with a clacky sound signature, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Mamba switch provides a thocky sound experience, producing a deep and satisfying sound, while the Swift switch delivers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users due to its gentle characteristics. It is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation. The HMX Swift switch, on the other hand, is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and enhancing typing comfort during long sessions. Additionally, it offers a feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended use. The Swift switch also provides a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback when typing, and a creamy feel that offers a smooth and buttery typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Mamba switch provides a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Swift switch delivers a clacky sound with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a gliding typing sensation with rich auditory experiences from the Mamba switch, and a silky smooth feel with delicate actuation force from the Swift switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Mamba linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, then the Durock Mamba might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a silky smooth typing experience with a deeper sound profile, then the HMX Swift linear switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics for different typing preferences, so consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and key feel when making your decision.
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