Durock Mamba vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Mamba and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present two compelling options for users who favor linear switches. The Mamba, inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant, offers a unique gliding typing sensation paired with a rich, creamy auditory experience, resulting in a writing feel that’s both neutral and thocky while being exceptionally polished. It’s perfect for typists who appreciate a smooth and immersive tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) brings a heavier variant of the classic switch to the table, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that creates a softer acoustic profile and a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch appeals to those seeking a subtle yet sophisticated typing experience with precise keystrokes. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to notable differences in sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Mamba features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which produces a sound that is pleasantly bright, though not overly sharp. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes traditional nylon for its top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a rounded acoustic signature. While both switches prioritize improving the auditory experience, the Mamba’s innovative material blend gives it a distinctive and somewhat brighter character compared to the HMX Xinhai's classic, deeper tones.
In the bottom housing components, both switches employ different materials, which further diversifies their sound profiles. The Mamba’s POM bottom housing is known for creating a muted and deeper sound, further enhancing the overall acoustic experience with its pleasing auditory qualities. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) maintains its use of nylon for the bottom housing as well, reinforcing its already fuller sound profile. Thus, while both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience with a deep sound profile, the Mamba's combination of POM and its unique top housing offer a more nuanced approach to sound dampening, while the Xinhai relies on the classic, consistent qualities of nylon throughout.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both switches illustrates how sound profiles are influenced by material selection. If the top and bottom housings are different, as seen in the Mamba, the acoustic characteristics will be split, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and the top housing influencing the release sound. This means that while both the Durock Mamba and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) can deliver rich and deep auditory experiences, the unique interplay of their respective materials contributes to each switch’s distinct personality. In essence, users seeking specific auditory feedback can achieve similar results with both switches, but they may prefer one over the other depending on whether they favor a brighter or a fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Mamba's actuation force is unspecified, while the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a defined actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Mamba at 60 grams and the Xinhai at 62.5 grams. This makes the Mamba slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force but leaves it ambiguous regarding its actuation force. For users who prioritize a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the ambiguity of the Mamba's actuation force suggests it may not meet those needs as effectively as the Xinhai (Heavy), which offers a slight heft with its actuation force and bottom out. In summary, while both switches provide a medium-bottom out experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier option with a known actuation force, catering more to those who prefer a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a slight difference that could influence user preference. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which offers a deeper press, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a bit more tactile feedback and a more pronounced depth, the Durock Mamba would be the better choice. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker activation and responsiveness, which can be especially appealing to gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more substantial feel with a longer travel distance or a snappier experience with a shorter one.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 considering the sound profile of the Durock Mamba linear switch, it delivers a neutral, thocky auditory experience. Its sound is described as moderate, making it versatile enough for both home and office use, regardless of whether you're a beginner or more experienced. When pressed, it produces a deep, rich sound that can be likened to a satisfying "thud." In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound characteristics. However, given its unique construction featuring a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem known for its crisp resonate qualities, you can expect a distinctly higher-pitched resonance that differs from the richer tones of the Mamba.
In terms of feel, the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, allowing it to cater to a broad audience. The mild characteristics provide a gentle yet responsive typing sensation that is accessible for users of all experience levels. The polished texture results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch does not have specific descriptions available about its feel. However, considering its intended heavier tapping mechanics, one might anticipate a more tactile or weighted experience compared to the smoothness of the Mamba.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Mamba and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches are linear options catering to different preferences, they vary in their sound profiles and feel. The Mamba boasts a rich auditory experience and smooth typing characteristics that might appeal to a wider range of users. The Xinhai (Heavy), with its unknown specifics but unique materials, suggests a different sensory experience that could cater to those looking for a heavier touch and different sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which qualities align better with your personal typing style and preferences, and you might find that both switches yield satisfying results, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a smooth and polished typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile, the Mamba switch is an excellent fit, especially if you're looking for a versatile switch that works well for both typing and gaming. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams provides a comfortable feel for extended use, making it suitable whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned typist. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier and more robust feel, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch might be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, this switch delivers a precise and crisp auditory experience, thanks to its unique design and materials that enhance performance. It caters well to those who value a distinct tactile response combined with subtle sophistication. Ultimately, the choice boils down to whether you prioritize a refined, gliding sensation with a rich sound (Mamba) or a heavier, more precise response with a clearer acoustic profile (Xinhai).
Mentioned in this article
