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Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for users seeking an enhanced typing experience. The Mamba, known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant, is a linear switch that provides a smooth and seamless typing sensation. Furthermore, its rich and creamy auditory experience adds an extra layer of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Red takes pride in its 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While retaining a familiar sound signature, this switch adds a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches have their own merits, offering different typing experiences based on the users' preferences. However, let's dive in deeper to explore the unique characteristics of each switch so you can make an informed decision 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

67g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 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

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Extended long spring

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Red both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. While both top housings have their own characteristics, they both result in satisfying typing experiences.

Similarly, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side. The WS Red, on the other hand, utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Like its nylon top housing counterpart, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both bottom housings offer distinct sound profiles that add to the overall typing experience.

It's important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, each housing material influences different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings, both the Mamba and WS Red provide satisfying results and offer a unique typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to note that the specific force values are unavailable. However, we can determine that the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier at a medium-heavy level.

In terms of actuation force, both switches have unavailable force values, so we cannot directly compare them. However, it can be assumed that since the Mamba is lighter in terms of bottom out force, it may also have a comparatively lighter actuation force. Similarly, as the WS Red is heavier on the bottom out force, it may have a slightly heavier actuation force as well.

Weight plays a crucial role in switch selection, with some individuals preferring lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. A lighter actuation force allows for more effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for productivity or gaming environments where speed is crucial. On the contrary, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience and opt for switches with heavier forces. These switches provide a stronger push feel, which can enhance the tactile feedback and typing precision.

In summary, while the specific actuation forces of the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches are unavailable, it can be inferred that the Mamba may offer a lighter actuation force due to its lower bottom out force. Conversely, the WS Red is slightly heavier in both its actuation and bottom out forces. The decision between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use, with lighter switches being suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see that the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Mamba switch, you will feel a slightly shorter distance compared to the WS Red switch. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Mamba with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the WS Red with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

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 Red comes in at $3.50 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

The Durock Mamba linear switch is well-regarded for its gliding typing sensation and rich and creamy auditory experience. It offers a neutral sound profile, resulting in a moderate and versatile sound when pressed and released. Additionally, the Mamba switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes it suitable for most users, providing a safe and enjoyable middle-ground typing experience.

On the other hand, information about the sound and feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is unknown. However, it is mentioned that the WS Red switch features a 22mm double-stage spring, contributing to a bouncy and responsive typing experience. It also retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. The switch is described to have a heavier actuation force, providing a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel.

Based on the available information, both the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba switch provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, producing a satisfying deep "thud" when pressed. Its mild and polished feel contributes to a gentle and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, and its heavier actuation force adds weight to keystrokes, resulting in a satisfying and substantial typing feel.

Though specific details about the WS Red switch are unknown, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used. Thus, it is crucial to consider these factors when selecting and comparing mechanical keyboard switches. By understanding the subjective qualities of each switch and considering personal preferences, newcomers can make an informed decision in choosing the switch that best suits their needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba would be a great choice. These switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. They are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Additionally, the Mamba switches produce a neutral sound profile with the option for a satisfying thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Mamba switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red would be a suitable option. These switches feature a 22mm double-stage spring for a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While they may have a higher bottom out force compared to the Mamba switches, they still provide a familiar sound signature and deliver a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Unfortunately, we do not have specific information on the sound and feel characteristics of the WS Red switches.

Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Red will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force and the specific sound and feel profiles you are seeking in a linear switch. Consider the qualities and descriptions provided for each switch and make a decision based on what aligns best with your typing preferences.

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