Durock Mamba vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, one can see that they offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba, a linear switch paying tribute to Kobe Bryant, provides a smooth and gliding typing sensation along with a rich and creamy sound profile. On the other hand, the Yoel, also a linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience accompanied by a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottoming out. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Yoel boasts characteristics such as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Resonant'. Choosing between these switches may depend on personal preference and usage, but both provide unique features that can enhance your typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Mamba and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switch. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Despite the differences in sound, both switches offer a high-quality housing material that enhances typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Mamba and Yoel utilize POM material to create a deep and muted sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches. The POM material adds a unique touch to the sound profile, creating a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to the overall typing feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the Mamba and Yoel differ in material, both switches showcase the importance of housing material in creating a distinct sound profile. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top housing offers a brighter sound, while the Yoel's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and PH Studio Yoel play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each switch, making them stand out in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Mamba has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them comparable in that aspect. In general, the Mamba is lighter in terms of actuation force, which could be preferable for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Yoel offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Mamba offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to the keystroke, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance and the desired typing 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 neutral and thocky profile, providing a satisfying and moderate auditory experience suitable for various typing scenarios. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a bright, clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile that delivers a crisp and resonating typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users may enjoy the deep and rich sound of the Mamba or the sharp and percussive sound of the Yoel, each offering a unique auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is characterized by its mild and polished qualities, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, thanks to the smooth and buttery feel of the switches. Typing on either switch will offer a comfortable and smooth experience, with the Mamba providing a more approachable feel and the Yoel offering an exceptionally smooth and gliding sensation for effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and PH Studio Yoel linear switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba offers a neutral and thocky sound profile with mild and polished typing feel, the Yoel provides a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, depending on their preferred sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a gliding sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Mamba switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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