Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are popular linear switches in the mechanical keyboard community. The Mamba switches are well-known for their tribute to Kobe Bryant and provide a fantastic typing experience. Users can enjoy a smooth gliding sensation while typing, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches offer a different yet equally satisfying experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. These switches provide a smooth and high-pitched 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique and distinct housing materials that greatly impact the sound profiles of their switches. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and bright sound profile that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a crisper typing experience. While both housing materials offer different sound characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall auditory experience of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality with these two switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes POM material, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This offers a more subdued and satisfying typing experience, ideal for those who prefer quieter switches. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE bottom housing introduces a newer material to switch housings, providing a bright and resonant sound signature. This material delivers satisfying clacks when typing, which may be preferred by users looking for a switch with more auditory feedback. While the bottom housings of these two switches offer contrasting sound profiles, they both contribute to delivering a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
It is important to note that the chosen housing material for the top and bottom of a switch greatly influences the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect differing auditory experiences depending on the housing materials used in the switches. Nonetheless, both the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear provide delightful typing experiences with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are notable differences. The Mamba's actuation force is not available in the information provided, while the WS Aurora Clear has an actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Mamba at 60 grams and the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams, making the Aurora Clear slightly heavier in this regard.
Considering the weight of a switch is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer switches with heavier forces.
Since the actuation force for the Mamba is unknown, it is uncertain how it compares to the WS Aurora Clear in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, both switches have medium to medium-heavy bottom out forces, providing a similar typing experience on that front. Ultimately, those seeking a lightweight option may lean towards the Mamba (assuming its actuation force aligns with their preferences) whereas those desiring a heavier push feel may opt for the WS Aurora Clear.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Durock Mamba with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for some individuals, short travel distances can feel too abrupt and lack the desired depth. In such cases, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear with its slightly longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and 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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It also provides a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed and released. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch produces a high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Mamba switch might be more appealing, while those who enjoy a higher-pitched sound will find the WS Aurora Clear switch to their liking.
Moving onto the feel of these switches, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle keystroke compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its sound and feel are approachable to most users, as they stand in a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Mamba switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is due to either the materials used or the factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a mild typing experience, ensuring a gentle and comfortable keystroke. It is also described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Mamba switch, the WS Aurora Clear switch is also polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the WS Aurora Clear linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, thocky auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch offers a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization. While the Mamba switch is more neutral and offers a moderate sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke. Overall, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear could be great options for you. However, there are some key differences to consider.
The Mamba switches are known for their gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, making them a great choice for those who appreciate a creamy and neutral sound profile. With their mild and polished feel, these switches offer a gentle and refined typing experience that should appeal to most users.
On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches provide a high-pitched typing experience with a sharp and crisp sound. These switches are designed for maximum RGB lighting customization, thanks to their transparent polycarbonate top housing. With a buttery, mild, and polished feel, these switches offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation that many users will enjoy.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a neutral and creamy sound with a gliding typing sensation, the Mamba switches will be a great fit. However, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and maximum RGB lighting customization, the WS Aurora Clear switches are the way to go. Consider your preferences for sound and feel, as well as any specific requirements you may have, and make your decision accordingly.
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