Durock Mamba vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Mamba and the Bsun Taichi linear switches stand out for different reasons, each appealing to unique typing preferences. The Durock Mamba, famously inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant, offers an exceptional typing experience characterized by a smooth gliding motion coupled with a rich, creamy sound profile. Its neutral and mildly thocky feel makes it a great choice for users who appreciate a balanced blend of tactile feedback and auditory pleasure. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches are designed for those who prioritize unparalleled smoothness and stability, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. While both switches are linear and ideal for typing, the Mamba excels in providing a thocky auditory experience, while the Taichi emphasizes a refined tactile sensation. 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

Bsun Taichi Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and Bsun Taichi feature distinct housing materials that influence their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Mamba utilizes a unique polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which results in a sound profile that is pleasingly bright yet not overly sharp. This blend offers a more rounded auditory experience when the key is released, striking a balance between clarity and warmth. In comparison, the Taichi opts for polycarbonate in its top housing, a material known for producing a crisp and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, making it particularly well-suited for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. This contrast highlights how the choice of top housing material can significantly affect the acoustic character of each switch.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals how they combine with the top materials to create a comprehensive sound experience. The Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This material helps eliminate sharpness and enables a subdued auditory experience, reinforcing a softer bottom-out feel when pressing the key. On the other hand, the Taichi’s nylon bottom housing has been noted for creating a fuller sound that tends to resonate deeply due to its softer characteristics. As nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, it contributes to a rounder and more comforting sound signature in tandem with a deeper tactile feedback. The interplay between these different bottom housing materials accentuates the distinct sound profiles of the two switches.

Ultimately, the Durock Mamba and Bsun Taichi exemplify how variations in switch housing materials can lead to different auditory experiences. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile response, the Mamba's combination of a bright top and muted bottom creates a unique sound signature, whereas the Taichi's sharper top and fuller bottom yield a crisper auditory experience. If both switches were to utilize similar housing materials, one could expect a more harmonized and consistent sound profile across the board. In cases of contrasting materials, however, the interactions between the unique properties of each component can lead to a varied yet complementary auditory experience, showcasing the nuanced impacts that different housing materials can have across the same category of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, one noteable difference is in the known actuation forces. The Mamba switch has an unspecified actuation force, whereas the Taichi requires 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. Regarding their bottom out forces, the Mamba has a lower medium bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Taichi remains unknown. This suggests that users of the Taichi might experience a lighter initial touch with a moderate push feel, which could be preferable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the contrary, with a heavier bottom out force, the Mamba may feel more substantial upon bottoming out, which some users might favor for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, with the Mamba being heavier at its bottom out force comparative to the known aspect of the Taichi, those seeking a lighter feel might gravitate towards the Taichi, while those who enjoy a substantial feedback might lean towards the Mamba.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit slightly different travel distances, with the Mamba having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Taichi at 3.6 mm. Consequently, the Taichi is the longer option by just a millimeter, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Gamers might lean towards the Mamba for its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker response times and quicker actuation, resulting in a more responsive feel. However, enthusiasts who appreciate a deeper key press may find the Taichi's travel more satisfying, as it offers a subtle yet noticeable difference in depth. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one values speed or depth in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba switches deliver a rich and creamy auditory experience, characterized by a deep, thocky profile that produces a satisfying "thud" upon actuation. This quality makes it suitable for various settings, whether you’re working in a quiet office or enjoying gaming at home. The sound profile is described as neutral, which means it provides a balanced acoustic performance that won't be too jarring in any environment. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches are known for their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their long-pole stem and extended springs. While the Taichi's sound may vary in perception based on the keyboard build and keycap materials, it promises unparalleled smoothness and stability, which can create a unique auditory experience that is distinct from the Mamba.

In terms of feel, the Mamba switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. This means that they come with a gentle actuation force that is approachable even for beginners while providing a refined, smooth finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. The combination of these qualities results in a comfortable typing experience that is consistent and satisfying. The feel of the Taichi switches is not described, leaving an unknown factor concerning their tactile feedback and overall typing sensation. This lack of detailed information can lead to uncertainty for those interested in how the Taichi will feel under their fingers.

Considering all the information provided, both the Durock Mamba and Bsun Taichi switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Mamba excels with its thocky sound and polished feel, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a rich auditory experience combined with a smooth typing sensation. On the other hand, the Taichi switches promise a captivating sound profile, but without additional information on their feel, it’s difficult to fully gauge how they compare in that regard. Ultimately, those looking for a balanced and refined experience may gravitate toward the Mamba, while those intrigued by the distinct auditory characteristics of the Taichi may find themselves eager to explore those switches further.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Mamba may be the better choice for you. Its rich, thocky sound profile and mild, polished feel enhance the typing experience, making it suitable whether you’re typing at home or in an office environment. Additionally, it appeals to both beginners and advanced users, providing a reassuring middle ground that many users find comforting. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a unique auditory experience and prioritize smoothness and stability, the Taichi switch stands out with its enchanting, high-pitched sound and extended springs, delivering a performance that caters to those who enjoy a more specialized tactile sensation. As a result, if you are an enthusiast who values the auditory aspect of typing along with a silky-smooth action, the Taichi may capture your interest. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits, sound preferences, and any specific aesthetic or emotional connections you may have, such as the tribute associated with the Mamba switch.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more