Durock Mamba vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Mamba, a linear switch, is known for its smooth and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying and creamy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch, offers a completely different experience with its profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke on the WS Heavy Tactile brings a satisfying resistance, creating an engaging and immersive typing journey. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switches present a "thocky" resonance through their nylon housings, resulting in a satisfying and captivating sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch is the perfect fit for you.

By the numbers

Durock Mamba Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which produces a pleasant and brighter sound profile. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Mamba utilizes a POM material, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing. However, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. It's worth noting that both switches incorporate classic housing materials that are known for their distinct sound profiles.

While the Durock Mamba and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile exhibit differences in their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of the unique sound profiles they offer. Both switches take advantage of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and more absorbing sound. Additionally, the POM material used in the Mamba's bottom housing contributes to a pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side. Therefore, whether it's the Mamba or the WS Heavy Tactile, users can expect to enjoy a distinctive auditory experience that enhances their typing journey.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of both switches is listed as unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Mamba is 60 grams, which is considered medium, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams.

The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider for different preferences and use cases. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience often opt for switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for longer typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions where comfort is crucial. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces. These switches offer a stronger push feel and tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience and providing a satisfying feedback sensation.

In this comparison, the Mamba linear switch has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. Therefore, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the more suitable option. However, since the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it is challenging to determine the precise differences in the force required to trigger a keystroke. Nevertheless, if the actuation forces of both switches are similar, individuals can expect comparable results in terms of actuation sensitivity, regardless of the difference in bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they both have relatively short travel distances. The Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the preferable option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress with greater depth, the Mamba's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The sound it produces is sharp, crisp, and percussive. It also has a resonant quality, providing a clean and sharp sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Mamba providing a rich and creamy auditory experience and the WS Heavy Tactile offering a captivating and immersive sound.

In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel without any overwhelming characteristics. It is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating feel. It has pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel, making typing an immersive sensation. It is also considered an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, it offers a bouncy sensation, giving keys a spring-like feedback.

Overall, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump with a captivating sound profile. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound and a mild typing experience, the Mamba would be a good choice. If you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with an invigorating and tactile feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suitable. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, your choice depends on your preferred typing experience. If you value a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Mamba switch is the perfect choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, neutral sound profile with a thocky resonance, and mild feel with a polished finish make it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you seek a more engaging and immersive typing journey with a profound and pronounced tactile bump, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and options for an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, or snappy feel, this switch offers a satisfying resistance and a captivating sound profile. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences for typing experience when choosing between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more