Kailh Box White vs. Durock Lupine

Overview

We are pleased to offer two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Durock Lupine, each bringing their unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Box White switch is a clicky switch, perfect for those who desire maximum audio feedback. When typing on the Box White, you'll experience a delightful "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and feel an accented tactility. On the other hand, the Lupine switch is a linear switch that offers a different sensation. Its two-stage long springs provide a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile. While these general pointers highlight the key distinctions, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Durock Lupine Linear

$2.76 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box White and the Durock Lupine both have polycarbonate top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature translucent top housings, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a polycarbonate top housing and want a similar sound profile and aesthetic, both the Kailh Box White and the Durock Lupine would provide similar results.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both the Kailh Box White and the Durock Lupine would offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to their nylon bottom housings.

It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ, their respective materials will affect different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the user will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. So, if you prefer a certain texture or sound upon bottoming out or releasing keys, it is worth considering how the different housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Durock Lupine might suit your preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a moderate push required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Lupine is unavailable, which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact level of force required. Moving on to their bottom out forces, the Box White requires 60 grams of force to press all the way down, offering a medium level of resistance. Similarly, the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which also falls within the medium range.

Considering the weight of the switches, it becomes apparent that lighter options are preferred by individuals who engage in extended typing sessions or indulge in lengthy gaming sessions. A lighter switch allows for prolonged or continuous usage without causing fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces. These provide a stronger push feel, which some users find more satisfying.

Although the specific actuation force for the Lupine is unknown, it is possible to assume that it may yield similar results to the Box White, considering both fall within the medium range. This suggests that the force required to trigger keystrokes could be comparable between the two switches. However, the bottom out force of the Lupine is slightly higher at 62 grams, making it marginally heavier than the Box White in terms of pressing down.

Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, individuals can choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force. It is important to note that while the actuation force is specified for the Box White, it remains unknown for the Lupine, making it necessary to consider this factor when making a decision.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch 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. If you prefer a more responsive feel while typing or gaming, the Kailh Box White switch would be a suitable choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, the Durock Lupine switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch offers a distinctive audio experience. When typing on these switches, users can expect a high-pitched, clean, and sharp sound profile. The sound is often described as "resonant" and comparable to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It delivers a satisfying clicky sound that provides maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile. It is categorized as high-pitched and offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. While not as distinctive as the Box White, it still provides an enjoyable auditory experience. In terms of sound, both switches offer pleasing results, with the Box White providing a more unique and immersive experience compared to the Lupine.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch offers a notable tactile experience. Users will feel an accented tactility when typing on these switches. The key travel is smooth and refined, resulting in a polished typing experience. The switch has a polished finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch offers a mild typing experience with a neutral weight distribution. It does not have a pronounced tactile bump but still provides a consistent and satisfying feel. Similar to the Box White, the Lupine also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Box White providing more pronounced tactility compared to the Lupine.

Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box White and Durock Lupine switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box White provides maximum audio feedback with its resonant, high-pitched clicky sound profile reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. It also offers an accented tactility and polished feel, resulting in a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine provides a classic clacky sound profile with a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. It offers a mild typing experience with a polished feel similar to the Box White. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and the choice between them would depend on the user's preference for clicky switches and tactile feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and enjoys a distinctive tactile feel when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the better choice for you. You will experience a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a pronounced tactility with each keystroke. Additionally, the Box White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, which can provide an immersive and crisp auditory experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral switch that offers a consistent typing experience without any pronounced characteristics, the Durock Lupine linear switch would be a great option. Its two-stage long springs provide a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward rebound, resulting in a pleasant typing feel. The Lupine switch also has a high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing.

In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, if you prefer a milder typing experience, the Lupine switch offers a more gentle feel compared to the Box White switch.

Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Whether you prioritize maximum audio feedback and pronounced tactility with the Kailh Box White switch or a neutral typing experience with consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound with the Durock Lupine switch, both options offer their own unique advantages. Therefore, carefully consider your preferences and requirements to make an informed decision on the switch that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

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Durock Lupine Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more