Durock Mamba vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Smoothie are two options worth considering. The Durock Mamba, a linear switch, is known for providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a smooth and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, also a linear switch, stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness at a more budget-friendly price point. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Smoothie is 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', and 'Silky'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique sound profiles, with the Mamba featuring a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and the Smoothie featuring a POM top housing. While the Mamba's blend offers a brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp, the Smoothie's POM housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that adds to the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Mamba and the Smoothie utilize POM materials, which contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making it an essential component of the overall typing experience. By incorporating POM materials in the bottom housing, both switches are able to achieve a satisfying feel and sound that enhances the typing experience for users.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Gateron Smoothie may differ, they each bring unique qualities to the switch that ultimately impact the overall typing experience. The top housing of a switch has more influence on the sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. Both switches offer a balance of sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. In general, a lighter actuation force allows for easier typing over long periods, making it suitable for work or gaming. Conversely, a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. If the actuation force of the Mamba is higher or equal to that of the Smoothie, it would provide a similar typing experience, despite the difference in bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience and should be considered when choosing between the Mamba and Smoothie switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. In terms of which one is shorter and which one is longer, the Gateron Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Durock Mamba. However, in practical terms, the difference is so small that users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of feel and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing purposes. It also provides a thocky sound signature, delivering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound as well, with a low-pitched and subdued tone that offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches excel in providing a pleasing sound experience, with the Mamba offering a more neutral profile and the Smoothie providing a unique low-pitched thocky sound.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone in terms of key feel. It provides a polished finish for smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, with a silky smooth keystroke experience that feels effortless and uniform. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and pleasant typing feel, with the Mamba offering a polished finish for refined key travel and the Smoothie delivering a silky and buttery typing sensation.
Overall, both the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer high-quality linear typing experiences with unique characteristics in sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a neutral sound profile and a polished key feel, the Smoothie offers a low-pitched thocky sound and a buttery, creamy typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve excellent typing comfort and satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results in terms of delivering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with their own distinct qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Mamba linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a medium bottom out force and a tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mamba may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with unknown bottom out force that provides a thocky sound signature and a smooth, buttery typing sensation, the Smoothie could be the ideal option. Both switches have their own unique qualities and characteristics, so it's important to test them out and see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Mamba and Gateron Smoothie will depend on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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