Durock Mamba vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and the Jwick Taro are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba is a linear switch that is best known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant. When using the Mamba, users can expect a smooth and gliding typing sensation, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Mamba switch provides a balanced and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch is a tactile switch that is recognized for its comfy subdued color scheme. Typing with the Taro switch offers a cozy experience enhanced by a snappy medium-level of tactility, resulting in acute and crisp clacks. Classified as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', the Taro switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your typing preferences.
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Jwick Taro differ in composition and their resulting sound profiles. Starting with the top housing, the Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which creates a unique sound profile that is bright but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Overall, the Mamba's top housing offers a more pleasant and balanced sound, while the Taro's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and more distinctive auditory experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM housing that results in a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. This material produces an incredibly pleasing sound that leans towards the lower frequencies. On the other hand, the Taro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In this aspect, both switches deliver a rich and resonant sound, but the Mamba's POM housing may offer a slightly more subdued and unique auditory experience compared to the Taro's nylon housing.
Due to the differing top and bottom housing materials, each switch offers its own distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. Therefore, the Mamba's POM bottom housing with its deep and muted sound may provide a gentler tactile feel when compared to the Taro's nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a bright yet pleasant sound upon key release, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more pronounced sound. Overall, although the housing materials differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences depending on which part of the switch is being engaged.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is currently unknown. However, the Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Jwick Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier at a medium-heavy level.
Weight plays a significant role in switch selection, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Durock Mamba more suitable, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This lighter option is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or during marathon gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger actuation force to provide a more substantial typing experience. For those seeking a heavier switch, the Jwick Taro with its slightly higher bottom out force may be the preferred choice. The additional force required to press down fully can offer a more satisfying tactile sensation while typing, which may be desirable for those who value a solid and firm keypress.
Although the actuation force of both switches remains unknown, the comparison between the Durock Mamba and Jwick Taro can provide insight into their relative weight differences. As the Durock Mamba has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams and the Jwick Taro has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, it can be inferred that the Jwick Taro is the slightly heavier option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who prioritize faster response times. However, the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Taro. This shorter distance may be preferred by gamers seeking a more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Taro's longer travel distance may provide a sense of depth and a less abrupt feel for those who prefer a hearty and satisfying keystroke. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of travel feel with either option.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 switch provides a rich and creamy auditory experience. It has been described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. The Mamba switch can produce a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch also has a neutral sound profile. However, specific information about its sound characteristics is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, with the Mamba potentially delivering a deeper thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing sensation that most users will find approachable. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Jwick Taro switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke without any noticeable bumps or resistance. The Taro switch might also have a stepped characteristic, meaning it has a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives it a more subdued tactile feel compared to hypersensitive switches. Ultimately, both switches offer comfortable and pleasant typing experiences, with the Mamba being gentle and polished while the Taro provides a buttery and potentially stepped sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and Jwick Taro tactile switch exhibit different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba offers a rich and creamy auditory experience with a potential for a satisfying thocky sound. Its typing feel is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with an unknown sound profile. Its feel is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and effortless keystroke, potentially with a stepped tactile characteristic. It's important to consider personal preferences and factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps when selecting between these switches. However, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, both switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba is a great choice. It offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. The Mamba also has a neutral sound profile, giving you a satisfying thocky sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Mamba provides a mild and polished 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 Jwick Taro is a fantastic option. It offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and acute, crisp clacks. The Taro also has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various intents and purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Jwick Taro depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific characteristics you value in your typing experience. Whether you prioritize a gliding sensation and thocky sound (Mamba) or a cozy feel and crisp clacks (Taro), both switches offer a great overall performance. Consider your personal typing preferences and select the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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