Durock Mamba vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Mamba is a linear switch that offers a smooth and gliding typing experience, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory delight. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that aims to provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing. With a pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between feedback and usability, offering a sharp sensation without overpowering the user. While both switches have their own unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your typing needs.
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
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing is made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but has a brighter tone. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it advantageous for incorporating RGB lighting. Therefore, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Mamba tends to produce a brighter tone while the Viola Tricolor offers a sharper sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. The sound profile of the Mamba is deeper and relatively more muted due to the properties of POM. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the bottom housings of both switches create distinct sound profiles – the Mamba with its deep and muted tone, and the Viola Tricolor with its fuller and rounder sound.
Given that the top and bottom housings of a switch can have different materials, their characteristics will influence the overall sound and feel of the key press. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Mamba, the POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and muted sound upon key press. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing the key. In the Viola Tricolor, the polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile upon key release. Therefore, while the overall sound and feel of a switch are influenced by both top and bottom housings, the specific characteristics of each material will shine through at different stages of the key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the specific weight is unknown for both switches. However, it can be assumed that they may have similar actuation forces, as they are both categorized as medium switches. This means that users can expect a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke on both switches.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Viola Tricolor switch will require slightly more force to fully depress the key compared to the Mamba switch.
When it comes to weight, it is important to consider personal preferences. Some users prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without straining their fingers, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel, seeking a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are more preferable.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch remains unknown, it can be inferred that they may have similar actuation forces due to their medium categorization. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor switch is slightly heavier with 63.5 grams compared to the Mamba switch's 60 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Viola Tricolor has a longer travel distance than the Mamba. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. These distances place both switches within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Mamba with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Viola Tricolor's longer travel distance provides a satisfying sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Mamba produces a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound when the keys are pressed and released, giving a rich and creamy auditory experience.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between a sharp sensation and overwhelming the user, providing a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to your typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba offers a mild and polished typing experience. With a more gentle feel, this switch stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback. This switch offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It provides a moderately firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a deep, satisfying "thocky" sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a pronounced tactility. If you are looking for a linear switch with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba is a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a touch of character and a balanced sharp sensation, the Viola Tricolor is worth considering. Both switches offer different subjective qualities, allowing you to choose based on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth and refined typing experience, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a gliding sensation and a rich auditory experience, making typing enjoyable and comfortable. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a character-filled typing experience, the Haimu Viola Tricolor would be the ideal option. These switches provide a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance between feedback and usability. They also offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of uniqueness to your typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prioritize smoothness and neutrality or tactility and character, both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences.
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