Durock Mamba vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth gliding sensation and rich, creamy auditory experience. It falls under the category of being neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. On the other hand, the U4T, a tactile switch, embodies a fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. It provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, ensuring both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Categorized as bassy, thocky, and sharp, the U4T offers a different typing experience compared to the Mamba. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Gazzew U4T switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provide a pleasant and bright sound, whereas the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a deep and rich sound due to its softness. Although they have different sound profiles, both materials ensure an enjoyable typing experience for users. The Mamba's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing contributes to the overall softness of the switch's sound.
When it comes to the influence of the housing materials on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities of the bottom housing will be most noticeable when you press down on a key. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials can affect the overall typing experience, allowing users to customize their switches based on their sound preferences.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Durock Mamba and the Gazzew U4T switches provide satisfying results. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offer a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Consequently, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction when using these switches, as their housing materials contribute to unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, meaning we do not have specific information regarding this aspect. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Mamba at 60 grams and the U4T at 62 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter option might be preferred by those who aim for longer typing sessions or engage in extended gaming sessions. Having a lighter actuation force can provide a smoother and faster typing experience, making it ideal for work or gaming scenarios where speed and fluidity are key.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. These users might appreciate a switch with a heavier actuation force, as it gives a stronger push feel when pressing down the keys. This can add a sense of stability and tactile feedback, which can be preferred in certain typing styles or for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Considering the information given, it appears that the Mamba linear switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the U4T tactile switch. However, as the actuation force of both switches is unknown, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two in this regard. Nonetheless, if the actuation forces are similar, it is reasonable to expect similar results in terms of typing experience for both switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the Mamba has a shorter distance at 3.5 mm, while the U4T offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may be important depending on individual preferences and specific use cases. The Mamba's shorter travel distance is favored by gamers who seek faster response times, as it allows for quicker keypresses. On the other hand, the U4T's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. It is important to consider personal preferences and desired responsiveness when choosing between the two switches. In either case, the user can expect to feel the travel distance when pressing down on a key, albeit with varying degrees of depth.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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
The Durock Mamba linear switch is best known for its gliding typing sensation and rich and creamy auditory experience. It is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it also has a thocky sound characteristic, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is best known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. It has a bassy 'thock' sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Similar to the Mamba, it also has a thocky sound characteristic.
When it comes to feel, the Mamba is described as providing a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the U4T tactile switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump that provides high feedback intensity. Each keypress can be distinctly felt due to its strong and crisp tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation, rich and creamy auditory experience, and a mild and polished feel, the U4T offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a sharp tactile bump. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on an individual's preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as their desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, the Durock Mamba linear switches would be a great choice for you. With a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, these switches offer a neutral sound profile that can be suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Additionally, the polished finish of the Mamba switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, further enhancing your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactility that provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction, the Gazzew U4T tactile switches should be your go-to option. With an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound profile, every keystroke with the U4T switches will give you a deep and rich typing experience. The sharp tactile bump of these switches offers high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba linear switches and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches comes down to your preference in terms of typing experience. The Mamba switches provide a mild and polished feel with a neutral sound profile, while the U4T switches offer sharp tactility and a bassy 'thock' sound profile. Consider your personal typing style and desired auditory experience to make an informed decision. Happy typing!
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