Durock Mamba vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and Aflion Thunder Shadow are two unique mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Mamba is a linear switch, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow is a tactile switch, providing a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a balanced feel and sound signature. When considering which switch to choose, the Mamba offers a gliding sensation and a polished feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a linear typing experience. Meanwhile, the Thunder Shadow's tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out weight cater to individuals seeking a tactile feedback without compromising on overall balance. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, the Mamba's blend may be more balanced in terms of sharpness and brightness compared to the Thunder Shadow's more intense sound profile. Despite these differences, both top housings provide a distinct auditory experience that enhances the typing or gaming experience.
On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Thunder Shadow's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound. The use of POM in the Mamba offers a unique sound experience that may be slightly different from the fuller sound produced by the nylon in the Thunder Shadow. Despite these differences, both bottom housings contribute to a more rounded and satisfying sound profile that complements the top housing material. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the more muted sound of POM, each housing material offers a unique sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Mamba and the Aflion Thunder Shadow plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. While the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE and POM offers a balanced and unique sound profile, the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate and nylon bring sharper and fuller sound profiles, respectively. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience with distinct auditory feedback. Whether one prefers a brighter and balanced sound or a sharper and fuller sound, both the Mamba and the Thunder Shadow offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch have different weights when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but based on their bottom out forces, we can infer that the Thunder Shadow may require a slightly higher actuation force than the Mamba. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mamba, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Thunder Shadow. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel for an individual's keyboard use.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and typing experience. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance, allowing for smooth keystrokes and comfortable typing. The similarity in travel distance between the Mamba and Thunder Shadow switches makes them ideal choices for those looking for consistent performance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and regardless of where you plan to use the switches. The Mamba is also noted for its thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. Overall, while both switches may produce slightly different tones due to factors like keycaps and keyboard housing, users can expect a similar sound output from both the Mamba and the Thunder Shadow.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is characterized as offering a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined keypress. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. While the Mamba focuses on a gentle and approachable typing experience, the Thunder Shadow aims to offer a more engaging and immersive feel for users. Both switches provide a medium weight feel, ensuring a balanced typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While both switches have a neutral sound profile, the Mamba stands out for its thocky sound, while the Thunder Shadow offers an invigorating tactile experience. Whether you prioritize a smooth and polished feel or seek a more reactive and snappy typing sensation, both switches deliver reliable performance and a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Mamba and the Thunder Shadow comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches ensure a quality typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Mamba if you prefer a smooth and gliding typing experience with a neutral sound profile. The Mamba is ideal for those who appreciate a medium bottom-out force and a polished finish for a refined feel. On the other hand, choose the Thunder Shadow if you desire a tactile bump and a slightly heavier bottom-out force. The Thunder Shadow provides an invigorating typing sensation with its pronounced feedback and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, as well as your preference for typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique benefits, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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