Durock Mamba vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and Durock T1 are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience for enthusiasts. The Mamba, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, is a linear switch that provides an incredibly smooth and gliding typing sensation. Alongside this, the Mamba offers a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it a delight to use for long typing sessions. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Mamba switch embodies a balanced and polished feel. On the other hand, the T1 is a tactile switch that exudes comfort during typing. Users will experience a satisfying medium bump when pressing down, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Characterized as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished', the T1 switch offers a distinct and refined feel. Both switches have their merits, but let's delve deeper into their qualities to help you determine which switch is best suited for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Mamba and the Durock T1 bring unique characteristics to the switches. In terms of the top housing, the Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which creates a pleasant and bright sound profile without being sharp. On the other hand, the T1 utilizes polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. While the Mamba and T1 differ in their top housing materials, both provide excellent sound profiles, with the Mamba leaning towards a brighter tone and the T1 emphasizing clarity and sharpness.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes POM, contributing to a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. The use of POM in housing materials creates an incredibly pleasing sound. On the other hand, the T1 utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the Mamba's bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, while the T1's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch's deeper and fuller sound.
When it comes to the overall experience of pressing down and releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities brought by the bottom housing material will be more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will primarily impact the sound when you let go of a key. While the Mamba and T1 differ in their top and bottom housing materials, understanding their effects can help users choose the switch that aligns with their preferred sound profile and typing experience. Whether opting for the Mamba or the T1, users can expect excellent results from both switches, as they make use of high-quality materials that optimize sound and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is important to consider weight as a determining factor. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force is unknown for both switches. However, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium weight, while the T1 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mamba would be the better option, as its bottom out force is lighter than that of the T1. This lighter force allows for comfortable typing over longer periods, making it suitable for both work and extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might find the T1 more appealing. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, the T1 provides a stronger push feel, which can enhance the overall typing experience and provide a satisfying tactile feedback.
It is worth noting that without specific information about the actuation force, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their initial trigger point. However, regardless of the actuation force, both switches offer similar results in terms of their bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a comparable typing experience in terms of force exertion can achieve this with either the Durock Mamba or the Durock T1.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their respective distances. The Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the T1 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the standard, while 3.0 mm is shallower. However, with the growing popularity of shorter travel distances in recent times, gamers, in particular, prefer switches with shorter distances for faster response times. So, for those seeking more responsiveness, the Mamba's shorter travel distance would be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring switches with a more substantial depth. For those who prefer a hearty depth, the T1's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Thus, individuals can choose between the Mamba and T1 switches based on their personal preferences regarding travel distance.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
The Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its gliding typing sensation and rich and creamy auditory experience. The sound profile of the Mamba 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 various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The thocky characteristic of the Mamba produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, like a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is highly regarded for its super comfortable typing experience. It features a medium bump when pressed down, providing a tactile feedback that is reminiscent of rain falling on a window. The sound profile of the T1 switch is low-pitched and neutral. Low-pitched switches generally have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Similar to the Mamba, the T1 switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Mamba offers a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience, ensuring that the sound and feel are approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Mamba switch contributes to smooth and refined key travel, resulting in reduced friction. Similarly, the T1 switch is described as having a stepped, accented, and polished feel. A stepped switch has a two-stage tactile feedback, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented characteristic of the T1 switch means that it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The polished finish, like the Mamba switch, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch both offer unique subjective qualities. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, with a sound profile that is described as neutral and thocky. Its feel is mild and polished, offering a safe and middle-ground typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 switch offers super comfortable typing with a medium bump and a sound profile that is low-pitched and neutral. Its feel is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer their own advantages, and with proper keyboard and keycap choices, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice. These switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. They are best known for their tribute to Kobe Bryant. In terms of sound, the Mamba produces either a neutral or thocky sound, which is suitable for most purposes. As for feel, the Mamba provides a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock T1 would be a good option. These switches are super comfortable to type on, with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. In terms of sound, the T1 produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When it comes to feel, the T1 offers either a stepped or accented tactile experience, providing a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Like the Mamba, the T1 also features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Durock T1 depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and whether you prioritize a smooth gliding sensation or a comfortable tactile feedback. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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