Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both stand out as excellent linear options, each with its own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Durock Mamba is a switch that pays homage to Kobe Bryant, delivering a gliding typing sensation paired with a rich, creamy auditory experience that many users find satisfying. Its classification as a 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' switch makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate both sound and feel. On the other hand, the WS Pearl is a unique contender, featuring ball-bearings designed to reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, making it an intriguing option for those seeking a distinctive auditory backdrop along with a seamless feel. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Pearl exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing composition. The Mamba utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene), which contributes to a sound profile that leans on the brighter side but remains pleasant and not overly sharp. This innovative material combination provides versatility in acoustic properties and enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a traditional nylon top housing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted tonal quality during operation.
When examining the bottom housing, the two models again display distinct material choices. The Mamba's bottom housing is composed of POM (Polyoxymethylene), a material celebrated for creating richer, deeper sound profiles with a muted character. This characteristic helps soften the bottom-out sound, contributing to a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the WS Pearl incorporates a nylon bottom housing, echoing the properties of its top housing and yielding a similar effect on sound. The dual utilization of nylon in both the top and bottom housings results in a consistent acoustic experience, marked by a rounder sound that prioritizes depth over sharpness.
Despite these differences, the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Pearl can yield analogous results due to the interplay between their housing materials. For instance, while the Mamba harnesses the effectiveness of its POM bottom housing to influence the bottom-out feel, combined with a brighter nylon and UHMWPE top housing, the WS Pearl's unified nylon construction contributes to a cohesive auditory experience. This interplay highlights how varying material characteristics can complement each other within a switch, ultimately providing users with an engaging typing experience that is fundamentally different yet yields similar enjoyable auditory qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences. The Mamba has an actuation force that is unspecified, while it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a defined actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, also categorized as medium. This difference in actuation force means that the WS Pearl requires less force to register a keystroke, making it the lighter option, which is ideal for prolonged typing sessions and gaming. The Mamba, while lacking a specified actuation force, can be assumed to provide a heavier feel due to its higher bottom out force, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter key press, the WS Pearl would be more suitable, while the Mamba may appeal to those seeking a firmer feedback when typing.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same depth of key travel, resulting in comparable tactile feedback and actuation feel. Since both switches have the same travel distance, gamers and typists looking for a uniform keystroke experience can expect similar results in performance and comfort with either option.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 rich auditory experience characterized by its thocky profile, producing a deep, satisfying thud with each keystroke. This auditory quality not only enhances the typist’s enjoyment but also creates an engaging ambiance suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a more professional setting. In contrast, while the WS Pearl does not have a specified auditory quality, it is known for its medium-high pitched sound signature. The exact nature of this sound might differ from the Mamba's thocky profile, but the overall experience will also depend on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material.
In feel, the Mamba linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle yet refined typing sensation. This balance makes it approachable for all users, from beginners to experienced typists, and ensures a smooth key travel without harsh feedback. The polished finish further enhances this smoothness, allowing for an easy and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl's unique design featuring ball-bearings is aimed at minimizing friction, resulting in a keystroke feel that is exceptionally smooth. While the exact physical characteristics may differ, both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them appealing choices for users who value comfort.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches present distinct advantages in sound and feel, catering to different preferences within the keyboard community. The Mamba’s rich thocky sound and mild, polished touch offer a classic, enjoyable experience, whereas the WS Pearl’s medium-high pitch and ultra-smooth, frictionless keystrokes provide a unique alternative. Ultimately, users can expect pleasurable typing experiences from either switch, albeit with differing auditory and tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage context. If you're looking for a balanced and versatile switch that provides a satisfying typing experience, the Durock Mamba is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures a comfortable typing experience for extended use, while the thocky and mildly polished keystrokes deliver a rich auditory and tactile feedback that many find appealing, whether for gaming or typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a gem of smoothness and want to elevate your keystroke experience, the WS Pearl's unique ball-bearing design is worth considering. With just slightly less actuation force at 58 grams, it promises an incredibly smooth glide that will make you feel like you're typing on air. Additionally, the medium-high pitched sound signature creates a distinct auditory feedback that may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced sound while typing. Ultimately, evaluating your typing style and sound preferences can guide you toward the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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