Durock Mamba vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Both switches offer their own unique advantages and characteristics. The Mamba is highly regarded for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and its exceptional linear typing experience. It provides a smooth and gliding sensation while typing, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Mamba switches offer a versatile option for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are known for their deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a truly gratifying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they deliver a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance by offering a standard spring weight that caters to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Mamba utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a bright and pleasant sound profile that is not too sharp. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting to be more effectively showcased. While the Mamba's bottom housing is made of POM, creating a deeper and more muted sound, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, maintaining the same sharper and crisper sound throughout the switch.

It is worth noting that if a switch features different top and bottom housing materials, the characteristics each material brings will be split between the bottom-out and release sound and feel. With the Mamba, for example, the bottom housing's qualities have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a more nuanced typing experience based on the specific action being performed. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue's switch design allows for consistent sharpness and clarity in both the bottom-out and release sounds, as both the top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate.

Overall, both the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. While the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE provides a pleasant and bright sound, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate creates a sharper and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Mamba's translucent top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, while the Tourmaline Blue showcases its polycarbonate material in clear housings. Whether seeking a specific sound profile or a visually appealing switch, both options cater to different preferences and typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Mamba switch is unknown, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 59 grams of force, making it slightly lighter. Both switches have a medium level of actuation force. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams, making it slightly heavier.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mamba switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This lighter actuation force is ideal for individuals using their keyboards extensively, such as in a work setting or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing, the Tourmaline Blue switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice.

While the exact actuation force of the Mamba switch is not provided, it is safe to assume that it falls within the medium range similar to the Tourmaline Blue. In terms of bottom out force, the Mamba is lighter compared to the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Mamba's 3.5 mm travel distance falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among gamers due to their faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm travel distance leans towards the more traditional range. Some individuals may find that the Mamba's shorter travel distance provides the desired level of responsiveness, while others may prefer the deeper feel that the Tourmaline Blue offers with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a quicker response or a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It provides a rich and creamy auditory experience, delivering a gliding typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue also offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It provides a deep and thocky sound when pressed and released, immersing the user in a satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer similar sound qualities, providing a pleasant auditory experience during typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience with its gentle characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing an approachable feel for most typists. The switch is also described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is easy-to-press with a low actuation force requirement, enhancing the typing experience and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue is also categorized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. Both switches provide a comfortable and smooth typing feel, allowing for prolonged and pleasant typing sessions.

Based on the available information, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer comparable sound and feel qualities. They provide a neutral sound profile and require a moderate actuation force, making them suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience, with the Tourmaline Blue being easy-to-press and buttery in feel. While individual preferences may come into play, either switch would provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

In closing, 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 auditory experience, making it enjoyable for most users. It has a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, with a smooth and polished finish for a sleek typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is worth considering. It provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. It also has a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press feel, enhancing the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences. Summarizing, both switches are excellent options for a high-quality linear switch experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more