Durock Mamba vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate toward options that enhance their typing experience in different ways, and two notable contenders are the Durock Mamba and Bsun Tomcat linear switches. The Mamba, celebrated as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, stands out for its smooth gliding sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience that many users find satisfying. It's characterized by a neutral yet mildly thocky feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more tactile feedback without compromising the linear smoothness. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch, with its Ly stems, promises an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that can enchant typists keen on auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category, offering delightful experiences to their users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Bsun Tomcat, it's evident that they utilize different top housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Mamba features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, producing a sound that leans towards a brighter but still pleasant quality. In contrast, the Tomcat's polycarbonate housing generates a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This contrast highlights how different materials can lead to divergent sound characteristics; Mamba's top housing may not be as clear as the Tomcat's but offers an overall warmer tonal quality. If these switches were used in conjunction, one might anticipate differing auditory experiences when engaging and releasing the keys.

Turning to the bottom housings, the Mamba employs POM, known for its ability to create a deeper, more subdued sound profile, while the Tomcat utilizes nylon, a time-honored material that fosters a fuller and rounder sound. The differences lie in the way each material interacts with sound; POM absorbs more vibrations, leading to a more muted experience, whereas nylon enhances a deeper resonance. These auditory differences indicate that, while the two switches may produce unique feels and sounds when pressed, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the "bottom-out" sensation, which is integral to user experience. Thus, even with varied top materials, the bottom housing's attributes play a crucial role in shaping the final sound profile of each switch.

Ultimately, the combination of the Mamba's nylon and UHMWPE top with POM bottom housing and the Tomcat's polycarbonate top with nylon bottom presents an opportunity for users to appreciate how varying materials influence sound perception. While their differences might suggest a lack of similarity, both switch types can still produce satisfying results, depending upon user preference. If one were to mix and match of these materials, a balance between brighter and deeper tones could be achieved, providing a versatile auditory experience. Both switches demonstrate how the selection of materials ultimately crafts a unique yet pleasing interaction for the typist.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to determine how it would perform in terms of responsiveness. However, it does feature a bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Tomcat offers a more defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorized as medium-light. This difference suggests that the Tomcat is the lighter option, likely making it more suitable for users who type for extended periods or prefer less strain on their fingers during long sessions. The Mamba's heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Mamba might provide a unique feedback sensation due to its unknown actuation force, the Tomcat's lighter and more defined specifications could offer a more consistent and comfortable typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Mamba measures 3.5 mm while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm illustrates that both switches are designed to cater to users who seek a relatively shorter travel distance, likely appealing more to gamers and those who prioritize quick response times. The Mamba's shorter distance may provide a more immediate actuation feel, suited for those who thrive on rapid inputs. Conversely, the Tomcat, with its longer travel distance, may offer a slightly more pronounced feedback, which can appeal to users who prefer a fuller keystroke experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation speed versus depth, but the Tomcat will provide a marginally deeper press compared to the Mamba.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Mamba and Bsun Tomcat linear switches, the Mamba clearly stands out with its rich auditory experience. It features a neutral sound descriptor, making it versatile for both home and work environments, appealing to a wide range of users. Its thocky nature further enhances its auditory charm, producing a deep, satisfying sound that many typists find enjoyable. In contrast, the sound profile of the Tomcat remains unspecified, leaving an unknown factor in its auditory characteristics. However, it is important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard, board material, and keycap selection.

In terms of feel, the Mamba switch shines with descriptions indicating it offers a mild yet polished typing experience. This means users can enjoy a gentle touch that won't overwhelm, perfect for those looking for a more approachable feel. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel and minimal friction, making it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. While the Tomcat is noted for its Ly stems, which are implying a smooth typing sensation, the specific feel characteristics remain unclear. This ambiguity could suggest either a similar experience to the Mamba or a different one that would need testing to fully appreciate.

In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba and Bsun Tomcat linear switches have their unique selling points, but the Mamba provides a more defined auditory and tactile experience. The Mamba excels with its rich sound and polished feel, whereas the Tomcat's qualities are yet to be fully explored, especially regarding sound and feel. Those looking for comparable results may find that the Mamba offers a well-rounded experience, while the Tomcat could deliver surprises yet to be discovered. Ultimately, personal preference and testing each switch will play a crucial role in determining which is the superior choice for an individual user.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 60 grams, giving you a firmer tactile feedback while typing, the Mamba might be more suitable for you. This is ideal if you appreciate a richer auditory experience, as the Mamba's thocky sound profile provides a satisfying and resonant feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment. Furthermore, if you value a mild and polished feel that offers a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Durock Mamba will likely meet your needs well. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Tomcat could be the better choice. Its super smooth Ly stems make for an effortless typing experience, which is perfect if you prioritize speed and fluidity in your keystrokes. Ultimately, the Tomcat’s unique design ensures a clean sound profile, suitable for those working in quieter environments or simply seeking a more discrete typing sound. Both options have distinct qualities, so consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you before making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more