TTC Gold Red vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Mamba, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They have a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Mamba switches pay tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant and provide a gliding typing sensation along with a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches fall under categories like 'Neutral' and 'Mild'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Mamba switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Starting with the top housing, the Gold Red utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a crisp typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing's translucency enhances the switch's compatibility with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mamba's top housing blends polymer nylon and UHMWPE, delivering a more pleasant and bright sound, although not as sharp as polycarbonate.
Moving onto the bottom housing, the switches again diverge in material choice and consequently produce distinct typing sounds. The Gold Red employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more mellow typing experience. Conversely, the Mamba utilizes POM for its bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. This material choice contributes to a relatively muted sound that may resonate with users looking for a quieter typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ for both switches, it is important to note that their impact on the overall sound profile is split between the bottom-out and key release stages. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the sound and feel of the bottom-out. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall typing experience. Although the specific materials may be distinct, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and tactile feedback, as both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles tailored to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Red switch has a light actuation force of 43 grams, meaning it requires a relatively light touch to register a keystroke. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates that it provides a gentle resistance when fully pressed. This lighter weight can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, as it reduces the strain on their fingers and allows for longer typing sessions comfortably.
In contrast, the Durock Mamba switch's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Gold Red switch in terms of actuation force. However, it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls in the medium range. This suggests that the Mamba switch offers a slightly stronger push feel compared to the Gold Red switch. This could be preferred by individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience or desire a bit more resistance when pressing down on the keys.
While the actuation force of the Mamba switch is not provided, assuming it falls within a similar range to the Gold Red's 43 grams, both switches would likely yield comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the Mamba switch will still offer a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a slightly heavier option overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Red offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which is the standard for many keyboards. On the other hand, the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which can be preferred by gamers who want faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes, enhancing gaming performance. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, lacking the satisfying depth of longer travel distances. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Mamba with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. But if you value a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the Gold Red with its longer travel distance might be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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.
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 Gold Red linear switch is known for providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It produces a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. The sound of the Gold Red switch can be described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It also has a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the Gold Red switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch delivers a mild and gentle typing experience. It offers a silky smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a subtle resistance without being too feather-light, making it suitable for shared spaces. The Gold Red switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is also a great choice for a linear typing experience. It provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. The sound profile of the Mamba switch can be described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Similar to the Gold Red, it offers a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Mamba switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience, much like the Gold Red switch. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer similar subjective qualities. They both provide a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Their sound profiles are described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. The feel of both switches is mild, silky, and polished, delivering a gentle and smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches are suitable options for a pleasant typing experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preferences and compatibility with other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light-medium level of resistance with a smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be the way to go. These switches offer a buttery smooth feel and produce a snappy sound that adds a touch of personality without being too loud. Additionally, the Gold Red switches have a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, which creates a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. In terms of feel, these switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba linear switches are a great choice. Inspired by Kobe Bryant, these switches offer a rich and creamy auditory experience and have a neutral sound profile with a thocky tone when pressed. They are also described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a sleek and refined finish.
Ultimately, both the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Mamba switches have their unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. Consider your desired resistance, sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between these two switches. Regardless of your choice, both switches are suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether for home or work. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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