Durock Mamba vs. KTT Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the KTT Orange. The Mamba is a linear switch that is widely praised for its smooth and effortless typing experience. The tactile feedback is subtle yet satisfying, making it great for long typing sessions. Additionally, the Mamba produces a rich and creamy sound when typing. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a bouncy, spring-like feel with its 22mm long spring. It features a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long pole POM stem, and a vibrant orange nylon bottom housing. This combination provides a slick and frictionless typing experience. Furthermore, the Orange switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile, thanks to its excellent factory-lubing. Overall, while both switches offer exceptional qualities, whether you prefer the gliding sensation and auditory experience of the Mamba or the bouncy and frictionless typing experience of the Orange depends on your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

KTT Orange Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the KTT Orange exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials. The Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, resulting in a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the Orange employs a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the Mamba's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the same characteristics as its top housing, offering a crisper sound.

These differences in housing materials greatly impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The Mamba, with its unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, provides a sound that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. On the other hand, the Orange's polycarbonate housing results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles allows individuals to choose between a smoother and more muted typing experience or a crisper and more pronounced sound when typing on these switches.

Aesthetically, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend provides a solid and non-translucent appearance, while the Orange's polycarbonate housing allows for a clear and translucent look. The transparency of the Orange's housing is especially beneficial for those who intend to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through the switch. However, if RGB lighting is not a priority, the Mamba's more solid appearance may be more appealing.

Although there are notable differences in housing materials between the Durock Mamba and the KTT Orange, it is crucial to highlight the similarity in sound profiles between their respective top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housing, resulting in similar qualities when pressing down on the keys. However, the impact on the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the unique properties of each switch's top housing. Thus, individuals can expect comparable results in terms of the feel and sound of the switches, while still appreciating the subtle variations brought about by their distinct housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, several differences can be observed. The actuation force of the Mamba switch is unavailable, whereas the Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Mamba requiring 60 grams and the Orange requiring 53 grams.

Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming sessions, as it allows them to type effortlessly for longer periods. For these users, the lighter actuation force of the Orange switch at 46 grams might be more desirable. On the other hand, some users enjoy a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may find the higher bottom out force of 60 grams in the Mamba switch more to their liking.

It is important to note, however, that since the actuation force of the Mamba switch is unavailable, it is difficult to directly compare it to the Orange switch. Similarly, as both switches have medium bottom out forces, users can expect similar results in terms of the typing experience, provided one favors medium-bottoming-out switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch will depend on an individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.

Travel distance

The Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Mamba or the Orange, you can expect consistent results and a comfortable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba and KTT Orange switches offer different experiences. The Mamba is known for its neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches present unique auditory experiences, and the final sound produced will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users, as it stands in a safe middle-ground zone. The switch's polished finish ensures a smooth and refined feel, resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The switch's frictionless nature ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance.

Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Durock Mamba and KTT Orange switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Mamba excels in providing a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, thanks to its neutral sound profile and mild, polished feel. The Orange switch, on the other hand, stands out with its bouncy and frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. However, it is worth noting that despite their differences, both switches provide high-quality typing experiences and are suitable for various purposes.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy type feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and orange nylon bottom housing provide a frictionless typing experience with minimal resistance. The factory-lubing ensures a smooth key travel, and the 22mm long spring gives a spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be the way to go. Its mild feel and polished finish offer a gentle typing experience with reduced friction, and the switch produces a neutral or thocky sound depending on your preference. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more