Durock Mamba vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and the TKC Tangerine are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. With the Mamba, users can enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. This switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch takes typing to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the rare UHWMPE housings. Typing on the Tangerine switch provides a pleasurable experience, although it does produce a fairly high-pitched clack. It is categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. While these general characteristics give an initial impression of each switch, it is essential to delve deeper into their specific qualities to make an informed decision about the best switch for individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the TKC Tangerine switches have some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, both switches offer a unique sound profile. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and bright sound, although not particularly sharp. Similarly, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing also delivers a bright sound signature, with resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. Therefore, if you prioritize a bright sound, both options will provide satisfying results.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Conversely, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, which is a newer material for switch housings. It offers a very bright sound signature, enhancing the resonant clacks when typing. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper and more muted sound from your switches, the Mamba's POM bottom housing would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a brighter and more resonant sound, the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing will deliver the desired results.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall typing experience, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. This means that the material of the bottom housing will play a significant role in the tactile feedback and sensation when typing. Conversely, the top housing has more impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Thus, depending on which characteristic is more important to you, whether it be the feel or the sound, you can select the housing material accordingly from either the Mamba or Tangerine switches to achieve your desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few notable similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, both switches are similarly medium-weight switches, with the Mamba having an actuation force of unavailable grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tangerine has an actuation force of unavailable grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mamba switch could be a suitable option as its bottom out force is slightly lighter. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it a good choice for extended work sessions or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push, the Tangerine switch would be a better choice, as it has a slightly higher bottom out force. This added resistance can provide a satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a bit more feedback with their keystrokes.
However, since the exact actuation forces for both switches are not available, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation force. Nevertheless, since both switches fall within the medium weight range, it is reasonable to assume that the actuation forces would also be relatively similar. Therefore, choosing either the Mamba or Tangerine switch would likely result in a similar actuation force experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different options in terms of weight and force. The Mamba provides a lighter bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer extended typing sessions, while the Tangerine offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Although the specific actuation forces are unknown, it can be assumed that both switches provide a similar actuation force experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have different travel distances. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. These differences in travel distance can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Tangerine switch is closer to the traditional travel distance, providing a more familiar feel for users. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Mamba switch is slightly shorter, which can result in faster response times and is often preferred by gamers. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt, and may prefer the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Tangerine switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its neutral and thocky sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a moderate and satisfying sound akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a high-pitched sound. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant and sharp sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Considering these characteristics, if you prefer a more moderate and satisfying sound, the Mamba would be a good choice, while the Tangerine would be preferable if you enjoy a high-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. This means that you can expect a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch offers a gliding sensation that is approachable to most typists. Similarly, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. This switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The keystrokes are seamless, effortless, and uniform, providing a fluid typing sensation. Both switches are described as having a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used and/or factory lubing. In terms of feel, both switches offer a highly polished and smooth typing experience, making them a good choice for those who value fluid key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and TKC Tangerine switches offer different subjective qualities. The Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. It also offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched sound and offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a sharper sound and an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities, catering to different sound and feel preferences. However, if you prefer a more moderate and satisfying sound as well as a polished and smooth typing experience, you can achieve similar results with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you value a tribute to Kobe Bryant and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, then the Mamba switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth typing experience with UHWMPE housings and don't mind a high-pitched clack, the Tangerine switch might be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the Mamba switch offers a neutral and thocky profile, making it suitable for various intents and purposes. In contrast, the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Tangerine switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing a fluid and effortless sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, further contributing to a sleek and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider whether you appreciate the gliding sensation and creamy sound of the Mamba switch or if you prefer the incredibly smooth feel and high-pitched clack of the Tangerine switch. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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