Durock Mamba vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the Durock White Lotus are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Mamba, paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, offers an exceptional linear typing experience. Users will appreciate the smooth gliding sensation while typing and the rich and creamy sound produced by each keystroke. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Mamba switch is a reliable choice for those seeking a linear switch. On the other hand, the White Lotus is designed specifically for discerning typists who value a light tactile experience. With its delicate tactility, these switches strike a perfect balance, making them ideal for work or extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetics of your keyboard setup. Classified as 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the White Lotus provides a tranquil typing experience with captivating RGB illumination. However, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba features a top housing made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, which creates a unique sound profile that is bright yet not too sharp. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, providing a premium feel and a slightly different sound experience. While both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, the Mamba leans towards the brighter side, while the White Lotus offers a distinct and premium feel.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes a POM material for its bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and more muted sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic material known for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile. As Nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The differing bottom housing materials in these switches contribute to the overall sound experience, with the Mamba favoring a deeper and more muted sound, and the White Lotus providing a fuller and rounder sound profile.
It is important to note that the composition of the housing materials in switches can greatly impact the resulting sound and feel. In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, such as the Mamba and the White Lotus, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing primarily influences the sound and feel during bottoming out, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both the Mamba and the White Lotus switches offer unique sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the exact force required for the Mamba switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it to the known 46 grams required for the White Lotus switch. However, both switches fall within the range of being relatively light, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Mamba switch requires 60 grams of force, which can be classified as medium. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, falling into the medium-light category. This means that typing on the White Lotus switch may feel slightly less resistant and offer a slightly softer typing experience compared to the Mamba switch.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the White Lotus switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for more effortless and comfortable typing, beneficial at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback may prefer the Mamba switch, as it provides a slightly higher bottom out force.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the Mamba switch remains unknown, both switches offer relatively light typing experiences. The Mamba switch provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, indicating a somewhat more substantial typing feel. Conversely, the White Lotus switch features a lower bottom out force, resulting in a softer and more lightweight typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience for each individual.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see that the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance than the Mamba. In terms of traditional standards, the White Lotus falls within the more common range, while the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mamba. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes may lean towards the longer travel distance of the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. However, both switches will still provide a satisfactory experience, as they offer similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its rich and creamy auditory experience. It provides a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, resulting in a deep and satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound. It has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound 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 offers a gliding typing sensation. It is categorized as a mild switch, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mamba also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press characteristic. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switch is categorized as mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. The sound signature of the White Lotus switch is also not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press feel with a low-pitched sound. Despite their differences, both switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a mild typing experience. Therefore, if you enjoy the feel of the Mamba, you can expect similar results with the White Lotus in terms of overall experience, with the added benefit of easy-to-press and low-pitched characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba is the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it pleasant to type on. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus is the perfect option. This switch strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switch features removable light columns, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects.
In terms of sound, the Mamba switch provides a neutral or thocky sound profile, giving you a moderate and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Mamba switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The White Lotus switch, on the other hand, is easy-to-press, offering low-impact typing with minimal force required for activation. It also has a mild and subtle feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style, environment, and personal preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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