Durock Mamba vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and KTT Purple Star both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mamba is revered for its tribute to Kobe Bryant, delivering a smooth linear typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out ideal for light typists. While the Mamba offers a polished feel and creamy auditory experience, the Purple Star excels in being easy to press and low-pitched. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the KTT Purple Star switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that produces a bright and pleasant sound, while the Purple Star utilizes POM top housing to create a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of bottom housing, both switches use POM material, resulting in a similar deeper and muted sound profile for their bottom-out sound.
Despite their differences in top housing material, both the Durock Mamba and KTT Purple Star switches offer a pleasing and unique sound profile. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a brighter tone, while the Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper sound. However, the bottom housing material in both switches is POM, contributing to a consistent deeper and muted sound profile for the bottom-out sound.
When it comes to comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and KTT Purple Star switches, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when the key is released, while the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when the key is pressed down. While the Mamba's unique blend offers a brighter sound profile compared to the Purple Star's deeper tone, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their POM bottom housing contributing to a consistent muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a brighter or deeper sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Mamba has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams while the Purple Star has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making the Mamba the heavier option between the two. In terms of actuation force, the Mamba has a none disclosed value, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Mamba requires more force to press all the way down, providing a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Purple Star is lighter, allowing for typing for longer periods without fatigue. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on preference, with the Mamba being ideal for those who prefer a heavier push feel and the Purple Star for those who prefer a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Mamba or the Purple Star, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience. With both switches offering a 3.5 mm travel distance, users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with either option.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 typing experience, providing a moderate actuation force requirement with a deep and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on your preference, the Mamba will give you a balanced sound suitable for various purposes, while the Purple Star will provide a more calming and soothing typing sound.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Mamba and the KTT Purple Star linear switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Mamba switch is known for its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and improved key travel. Meanwhile, the Purple Star switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches provide a gentle typing feel that is suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer slightly different sound and feel experiences, they both provide a comfortable typing experience for users. If you are looking for a switch with a neutral and thocky sound profile, the Mamba is a great choice, while the Purple Star is ideal for those who prefer a low-pitched and easy-to-press typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches will deliver similar levels of comfort and ease during typing sessions, giving you reliable performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preferences and habits. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a neutral or thocky sound profile, the Mamba may be the right choice for you. Its mild and polished feel can provide a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound, the Purple Star might be more suited to your typing style. With its buttery smooth feel and easy-to-press actuation, it offers comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing needs, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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