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Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow

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

Overview

The Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Yellow are both exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Mamba switches are praised for their tribute to Kobe Bryant, providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', these switches are perfect for those seeking a well-rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches are celebrated for their timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring at their core, these switches offer a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Categorized as 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Polished', they provide a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts have come to adore. Additionally, their lightweight design ensures smooth and fluid keystrokes, resulting in an effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

53g

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 housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches have some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Mamba utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, resulting in a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile. In contrast, the WS Yellow features a classic nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic and its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, the Mamba's blend provides a slightly sharper tone while the WS Yellow's nylon offers a fuller and deeper sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba uses a POM housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. This complements the brighter sound profile of its top housing, resulting in a well-balanced switch experience. Conversely, the WS Yellow employs a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. This nylon bottom housing contributes to the switch's fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches achieve satisfying sound profiles, with the Mamba leaning towards a deeper and more muted sound, while the WS Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties.

When comparing the impacts of the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two. When pressing down on either the Mamba or WS Yellow, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent in the resulting bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches can provide satisfying tactile and auditory feedback, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out experience and the top housing playing a role in the key release sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are a few notable differences. Firstly, the actuation force of both switches is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare them in this regard. However, it is reasonable to assume that they might provide similar results since their actuation forces are not disclosed.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in comparison.

Considering weight, it is important to note that lighter switches are favored by individuals who wish to type for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions. Lighter switches provide less resistance, leading to potentially reduced fatigue. In this aspect, the WS Yellow may be preferable as it has a lighter bottom out force.

However, some users prefer a stronger push feel when typing, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may opt for options with heavier forces. In this case, the Durock Mamba might be a better choice due to its higher bottom out force compared to the WS Yellow.

Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Mamba and the WS Yellow depends on personal preferences and typing habits. Factors such as typing duration and desired key feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is more suitable for individual needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Yellow has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Mamba's travel distance of 3.5 mm falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Yellow's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who desire a more substantial feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics, catering to individual preferences for travel distance. Therefore, if one desires a more responsive and shallower key press, the Mamba would be the recommended option. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the WS Yellow.

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 Yellow 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

In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using the switch at home or work. It produces a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba is described as a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. It has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Yellow also shares similar qualities, being described as mild and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used.

Taking into consideration the available information, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch provide a delightful typing experience. While the Mamba offers a rich and creamy auditory experience with a gliding typing sensation, the WS Yellow boasts a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Both switches offer a mild typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel due to their polished finish. Therefore, if you're looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, you can expect to achieve comparable results with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, then the Mamba switch would be a great choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, the Mamba switch fits the bill. On the other hand, if you value a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and effortless keystrokes, the WS Yellow switch would be a suitable option. Its blend of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, combined with its creamy and mild feel, create a smooth and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities and it's up to you to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.

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