Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both stand out as exceptional linear switches. The Durock Mamba is praised for its smooth and gliding typing sensation, coupled with a rich and creamy auditory experience for a satisfying typing session. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade features a unique metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile along with a captivating RGB display. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the WS Jade is known for being 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'Creamy'. If you prefer a linear switch with a more traditional typing experience, the Durock Mamba may be the way to go. However, for those looking for a linear switch with a bit of flair and unique sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade may be the better choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature POM top housings, which create a unique and pleasing sound profile. However, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, giving it a slightly brighter sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound of the WS Jade's POM top housing. This difference in materials results in a distinct sound experience for each switch, with the Mamba offering a slightly sharper tone while the WS Jade provides a deeper and more subdued sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Jade utilize POM material. This shared housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, with both switches producing a deeper and more muted sound. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, subtle differences in the design and construction of each switch may still result in variations in how the POM material affects the typing sensation.
Overall, while both the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Jade boast unique and pleasing sound profiles, they differ in their housing materials which contribute to their individual characteristics. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing gives it a slightly brighter sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound of the WS Jade's POM top housing. Additionally, both switches feature POM bottom housings, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, but with potential subtle differences in typing sensation due to other design elements. Ultimately, while the housing materials may be different, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch have similar bottom out forces at 60 grams, making them both medium-weight options. However, the actuation force differs between the two switches. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is light and allows for quick keystrokes without much pressure. On the other hand, the WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a bit more resistance and feedback during typing. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Mamba for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback may opt for the WS Jade for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced feel, with the Mamba leaning towards a lighter touch and the WS Jade offering a slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. However, the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jade. For gamers looking for faster response times, the Mamba might be the preferred option. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth when typing may lean towards the WS Jade with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when using either of them.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 and thocky sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for its clacky, marbly, and resonant sound characteristics, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience with a bright metallic resonance. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Mamba providing a creamy and rich sound while the WS Jade offers a bright and resonant sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, with gentle and approachable qualities that are suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch provides a silky and creamy typing feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and buttery experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Mamba providing a polished and refined feel while the WS Jade offers a creamy and silky sensation.
Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Mamba provides a neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, the WS Jade offers a clacky and resonant sound with a silky and creamy typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, as they both deliver high-quality performance and a unique typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Mamba may be the choice for you. The Mamba offers a neutral or thocky sound profile and a mild or polished typing feel, making it suitable for most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright metallic sound profile with a rock-solid bottom-out and an enchanting RGB display, the WS Jade could be more to your liking. The WS Jade provides a clacky, marbly, or resonant sound profile and a silky or creamy typing feel for an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing sensation, sound profile, or overall aesthetics that align with your preferences and typing style.