Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Onion are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba switches are highly regarded for their tribute to Kobe Bryant and are known for providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches offer a balanced and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches stand out with their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. They offer a crisp and responsive typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches provide a smooth and polished feel while typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant sound profile that is brighter but not particularly sharp. In contrast, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound. However, both switches have clear housings, making them suitable for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and thus creates a duller and rounder sound. These differences in bottom housings affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches when pressed.
Overall, while the Mamba and WS Onion differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a pleasing, bright sound, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Conversely, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear housings suitable for RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both switches deliver exceptional sound experiences, though with distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium, while the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the Mamba with its medium bottom out force could provide a comfortable experience for those who prioritize typing for prolonged periods.
On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are more suitable. In this scenario, the WS Onion with its medium-heavy bottom out force may offer the desired level of resistance and satisfaction for typing enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced tactile response.
While the actuation force of both switches is unknown, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in that aspect. However, based on the available information regarding the bottom out force, it is evident that the WS Onion is slightly heavier than the Mamba. Therefore, individuals seeking a slightly more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Onion, while those desiring a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may gravitate towards the Mamba.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, it is clear that the WS Onion has a longer travel distance than the Mamba. The WS Onion's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered a more traditional option, while the Mamba's 3.5 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Mamba a popular choice for them. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the WS Onion's longer travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness or 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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
The Durock Mamba linear switch is well-known for its gliding typing sensation and rich and creamy auditory experience. It offers a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are using it at home or work. The Mamba switch is also described as having a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience. It falls into the polished category, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
The Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. It is praised for its buttery smooth keystroke feel, which provides a deeply satisfying typing experience. Like the Mamba switch, the WS Onion has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. It offers a crisp and responsive feel, contributing to its overall positive user experience. However, the specific sound qualities of the WS Onion switch are not mentioned in the provided information.
Based on the available information, both the Mamba and WS Onion switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound. They both have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches have some similarities. The Mamba switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience in a safe, middle-ground zone. It is also polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also falls into the polished category, indicating a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer desirable subjective qualities. They both provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, with the Mamba switch offering a gliding sensation and a rich and creamy sound, and the WS Onion switch offering a buttery smooth keystroke and a crisp and responsive feel. Although certain aspects of their sound profiles are unknown, they are both described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various users and scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium force linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice. It offers a neutral sound profile, with the option for a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound. The Mamba also has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and want a linear switch with a polycarbonate top housing, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is an exquisite option. It also offers a neutral sound profile and a crisp, responsive feel. The WS Onion has a buttery smooth keystroke, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, both the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Onion have their own unique qualities, so it comes down to personal preference and what attributes appeal to you the most.
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