Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Phoenix

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across two popular options: the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Phoenix. The Mamba, a linear switch, is best known for its tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth and gliding typing experience, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory sensation. On the other hand, the Phoenix, a clicky switch, stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism. This mechanism provides a crystalline and sparkling feel, along with a distinct sound profile. The Mamba offers a ['Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'] categorization, while the Phoenix is categorized as ['Crunchy', 'Polished']. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, giving you distinct options to choose from. 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

Durock Mamba Linear

Outemu Phoenix Clicky

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Mamba and the Outemu Phoenix have distinct differences in their housing materials that greatly impact their sound profiles. The Mamba's top housing is made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, resulting in a unique sound profile that is bright but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Phoenix utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users planning to use RGB lighting. Despite these disparities, both switches can offer a pleasant sound experience, albeit with different characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Mamba features a POM material that creates a deep and muted sound profile. The POM housing brings a unique and pleasing sound quality to the switch. Conversely, the Phoenix utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which again contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Similar to the top housing, the stiffer nature of the polycarbonate material results in a more pronounced sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for aesthetic purposes, especially if RGB lighting is involved. Therefore, while the sound profiles differ, both switches excel in delivering a satisfying auditory experience, albeit with different qualities.

When using switches with different top and bottom housings, the individual characteristics of each material are split between the two. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the sound produced when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on the combination of top and bottom housing materials, users can experience a varied sound profile during keypresses. However, despite these differences, both the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Phoenix guarantee a tactile response that enhances the overall typing or gaming experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the specific grams required to trigger a keystroke for both switches are unavailable. However, it can be assumed that since both switches are categorized as medium in terms of their bottom out force, they might have a similar actuation force as well.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Mamba linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Phoenix clicky switch might provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the slightly higher force required to bottom out.

Considering weight, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This would be ideal for those using the keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. However, there are also individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, opting for options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable.

In conclusion, while the specific actuation forces of the Durock Mamba linear switch and Outemu Phoenix clicky switch are unknown, it can be inferred that they might be similar given their medium bottom out forces. The Mamba switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Phoenix clicky switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. Thus, those seeking a slightly more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Phoenix clicky switch, while those prioritizing longer typing sessions without fatigue might opt for the Mamba switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Phoenix has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. This makes them ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, it is worth noting that the Mamba offers a slightly deeper travel distance than the Phoenix. This can provide a more satisfying and immersive typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth in their switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for most purposes. However, it also has a thocky characteristic, giving it a deep and satisfying sound, comparable to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a crunchy sound profile. Clicky switches are commonly associated with a crisp and crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

Moving on to the feel, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch share the descriptor of being "polished". This means that both switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and possible factory lubing reduces friction and provides smooth key travel for both switches. In terms of the typing experience, the Mamba is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience with approachable qualities that suit most individuals. The Phoenix, due to its under-skirt click mechanism, provides a unique crystalline and sparkling feel that adds to the overall typing experience.

Considering all the available information, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience with its thocky sound profile. The Phoenix, on the other hand, delivers a unique clicky experience with a crunchy sound and a crystalline, sparkling feel. While they have their distinctions, both switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. As an expert, I can confidently say that if you are looking for a similar typing experience, either switch can provide satisfactory results based on your preference for linear or clicky switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, the Durock Mamba is a great choice. Its tribute to Kobe Bryant adds a special touch, and the rich and creamy auditory experience enhances the typing feeling. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique under-skirt click mechanism, the Outemu Phoenix is the way to go. It offers a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile that is sure to stand out. In terms of sound, the Mamba provides a neutral or thocky option, suitable for various purposes, while the Phoenix delivers a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Both switches offer a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for linear or clicky switches and the specific qualities you are looking for in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

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Outemu Phoenix Clicky

$4.15 per 10

Learn more