Durock Mamba vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba switch is celebrated for its smooth and gliding typing sensation, as well as its rich and creamy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy feel reminiscent of its dessert namesake. While the Mamba switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is classified as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Resonant'. Both switches offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences in typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both use unique blends of materials in their housing, with the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing providing a bright and pleasant sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smooth, clacky, and durable qualities. This contrast between the top and bottom housing materials can significantly affect the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the Mamba and the Vanilla Ice Cream have different top and bottom housing materials, they both strive to provide a unique sound profile and feel for users. The Mamba's POM and UHMWPE blend offers a pleasant and bright sound, along with a deeper bottom housing sound profile. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, paired with a smooth, durable POK bottom housing. Users of both switches can expect a combination of these qualities when typing, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a unique and bright sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Additionally, the contrast between the POM and POK bottom housings further enhances the overall typing experience, with the Mamba offering a deep and muted sound, and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a smooth, clacky, and durable feel. Overall, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences when it comes to keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter with a bottom out force of 48 grams. The actuation force of the Mamba is unspecified, while the Vanilla Ice Cream requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler typing feel, ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Mamba may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear 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 consistent and similar amount of key travel. This feature ensures that the typing experience will feel familiar and predictable regardless of which switch is being used. Overall, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer either the Durock Mamba or KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 linear switch offers a neutral and thocky profile, suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that stands out with its sharp and clean acoustics. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more moderate and thocky sound with the Mamba or a sharper and resonant sound with the Vanilla Ice Cream.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and smooth feel for users. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts a buttery and creamy feel, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Whether one prefers a gentler and polished feel or a smoother and buttery sensation, both switches cater to different tactile preferences.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches each have their own unique qualities that cater to different sound and feel preferences among users. While the Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and resonant sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider your typing style and sound preference when choosing between the Durock Mamba and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. Happy typing!
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