TTC Bluish White vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the Durock Lupine, a linear switch. The Bluish White is best known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It falls into the categories of 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Lupine is renowned for its two-stage long springs that offer a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. It emits a classic clacky sound profile and falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Durock Lupine both make use of polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and resonance. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Bluish White or the Lupine, you can expect a similar sound experience and the option to enhance it with vibrant lighting effects.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Bluish White features nylon, while the Lupine also utilizes this classic switch housing material. Nylon brings a different quality to the typing experience, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder and duller sound. Therefore, both the Bluish White and the Lupine will provide a satisfying typing experience with a rich and full sound, thanks to their nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each material play a specific role. Depressing the switch will primarily showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing holds more influence over the sound when you release a key. This means that the combination of polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing in the Bluish White and Lupine respectively, delivers a well-balanced and nuanced typing experience that covers both the actuation and release of each key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the actuation force for the Lupine switch is unavailable, meaning the exact force required is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White switch requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to its actuation force. On the other hand, the Lupine switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more pronounced push feel for those seeking a stronger typing sensation. Therefore, for individuals who prefer lighter switches and want to type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, for those who value a more substantial typing experience with a heavier key press, the Lupine switch would be a better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we can see that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm in the Bluish White switch would result in a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine's slightly longer travel distance may offer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker and more responsive feel or a more substantial and deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is bass-heavy and mellower compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, providing a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound, the low-pitched Bluish White would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a crisper and sharper sound, the Lupine with its high-pitched profile would be more suitable. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a variety of descriptors. It is described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It also has a "mild" feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. These switches are "stepped," meaning they have two stages in their tactile feedback, providing a more subtle and mild sensation compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. The Bluish White switches also have a "subtle" resistance, offering a light typing feel without being too feather-light. Additionally, they are described as "polished," indicating a refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a "mild" feel, similar to the Bluish White. It also has a "polished" finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel, making them suitable for most users.
Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Bluish White offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a mellower and bass-heavy tone. It has a "buttery" and "polished" feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Additionally, it is "stepped" and provides a subtle and mild tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Lupine has a more neutral sound profile, falling in the middle ground between high and low-pitched switches. It also has a "mild" feel with a "polished" finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. While they have different sound profiles, the feel of both switches is similar, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience. Overall, both the Bluish White and the Lupine switches offer satisfying qualities for different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a snappy sound profile and offer a range of feel options, from a buttery and mild typing experience to a stepped and subtle feel. The Bluish White switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Lupine switch is a great choice. These switches are known for their two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. They offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. In terms of sound, the Lupine switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or planning to use them at home or work. They also have a high-pitched sound profile for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch depends on your preferences for typing experience, bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. Weighing these factors, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your typing pleasure.
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