Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Lupine. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch known for its clacky sound signature and crisp and sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Lupine is a linear switch that provides a treat to type on with its two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. In terms of sound, both switches offer a clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Lupine differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither dull nor too crisp. On the other hand, the Lupine boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Bamboo Green and the Lupine feature different materials. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which reflects the same qualities as its top housing. Conversely, the Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to PBT. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Lupine switches.
When pressing down on switches with different top and bottom housing materials, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material. The qualities of the top housing, on the other hand, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. So, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and Durock Lupine share similarities in their neutral sound profiles attributed to the PBT top housing, the Lupine's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing provide a crisper and deeper sound experience, respectively.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Durock Lupine exhibit differences in their housing materials, resulting in varied sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics. While the Bamboo Green features PBT for both top and bottom housing, offering a neutral sound and appearance, the Lupine utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound and enhanced RGB lighting. Furthermore, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel is crucial for individuals seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Bamboo Green tactile switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Lupine's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
The actuation force plays a crucial role in determining the force required to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Bamboo Green switch would be a suitable choice with its 43-gram actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it ideal for professional scenarios or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Lupine's actuation force remains unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if the actuation force is similar to the Bamboo Green's 43 grams, users can expect a similarly light typing experience. However, if the Lupine's actuation force is heavier, it may provide a more substantial push feel for a more satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches share a medium 62-gram bottom out force. This means that regardless of the actuation force differences, users can expect a consistent level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down, resulting in a similar typing experience in that regard.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch will depend on personal preferences. Those seeking a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Bamboo Green, while others who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find satisfaction with the Lupine, granted its actuation force is heavier.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Bamboo Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lupine switch. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Bamboo Green is considered more traditional, offering a deeper and more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Lupine switch is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive and quicker key press, the Lupine switch may be the better option, while those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Bamboo Green switch. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a distinct tactile experience with their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It falls in the moderate range in terms of actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, which means they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as having a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. These switches offer a medium level of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. The sharp tactile bump in these switches provides a distinct feedback intensity with each keypress. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Meanwhile, the Durock Lupine linear switch is characterized as having a mild and polished feel. These switches offer a gentle typing experience, with characteristics that fall in a safe middle-ground zone. The polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have different qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both share the aspect of having a high-pitched sound profile. The Bamboo Green offers a clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility, while the Lupine provides a classic clacky sound profile. Similarly, both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the medium level of tactility and stepped, accented, and sharp feel of the Bamboo Green or the more gentle and mild typing experience of the Lupine.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch would be a great choice. These switches provide a crisp and sparkling tactility, allowing for a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of the Bamboo Green switches is described as high-pitched and resonant, producing a sharp and immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with the same medium bottom out force, the Durock Lupine switch would be a fantastic option. These linear switches offer a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Lupine switches are known for their two-stage long springs, making typing on them a true delight. The sound profile of the Lupine switches is described as neutral and high-pitched, providing a moderate and crisp sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches have a stepped and accented tactile feel. They provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Lupine switches offer a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They also have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch depends on your preference for the sound and feel of the switches. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a clacky sound and a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green would be a great fit. If you prefer a linear switch with a consistent weight distribution and a two-stage long spring for typing pleasure, the Lupine switch would be a perfect choice.