Durock Mamba vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as top options for different preferences. The Durock Mamba, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth gliding typing experience and satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, offers a more balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a light touch. The Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', while the Violet Gold Pro is categorized as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Mamba and the Violet Gold Pro play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. The Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing creates a bright and pleasant sound, while the POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted tone. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to a fuller and rounder sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience through the distinct characteristics of their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also influences the visual appeal of the switches. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend imparts a sleek and modern look to the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a colorful touch to the overall design. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the illumination of the switch, making it stand out in a custom keyboard setup. On the other hand, the opaque POM bottom housing of the Mamba and the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro offer a more traditional appearance that may appeal to users seeking a classic aesthetic.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. The Mamba's split housing design allows for a harmonious blend of bright and deep tones when pressing and releasing a key, while the Violet Gold Pro's housing materials work together to produce a sharp and resonant sound profile throughout the typing process. Despite their distinct characteristics, both switches are engineered to provide a satisfying tactile and auditory experience for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup with high-quality housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level for typists who prefer a bit of feedback when typing. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and easier to press for those who enjoy a more sensitive typing experience. While the actuation force for the Mamba is not specified, both switches provide different levels of resistance for users to choose from. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Violet Gold Pro, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Mamba. The difference between the two may not be significant, but it can affect the overall feel and experience of typing or gaming. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, making the Durock Mamba a good choice for gamers seeking quick key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro with its slightly longer travel distance may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, and depending on individual preferences, either one can provide a satisfying result.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 considering sound, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate and balanced sound that is suitable for various typing environments. The Mamba, however, also has a thocky sound characteristic, which adds a deep and satisfying tone when typing. The sound experience of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel of the switch provides a gentle typing sensation that appeals to a broad range of users, while the polished finish results in smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, which means it offers a tactile response with two distinct stages during the keystroke. This provides a different typing experience compared to the more uniform feel of the Mamba.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both have a neutral sound profile, the Mamba stands out with its thocky sound characteristic, providing a deeper auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Mamba offers a mild and polished typing sensation, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. However, users can expect a high-quality and versatile typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth gliding typing experience with a creamy sound profile, the Mamba switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a medium tactility and light touch, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer quality and performance worth considering.
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