KTT Darling vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Darling and the Durock Lupine stand out as excellent options for different reasons. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out provides a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine also boasts a linear design but with two-stage long springs that offer a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Its classic clacky sound profile adds to the typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Darling and Lupine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which helps to create a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both keyboards provide similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the Darling and Lupine differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Darling's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing offers similar sound qualities, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing materials.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both the Darling and Lupine maintain a balance of sound qualities with their top and bottom housing combinations. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force (45 grams) compared to the Durock Lupine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Darling has a slightly heavier bottom out force (53 grams) compared to the Lupine's bottom out force of 62 grams, making the Lupine a slightly heavier switch overall. The Darling provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Lupine offers a medium typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages - the Darling's lighter actuation force may appeal to those looking for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Lupine's heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance than the Darling. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Darling may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feedback, the Lupine's longer travel distance may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the feel you are looking for in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that can be engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch produces a classic clacky sound profile, which is consistent and traditional in its tone. Both switches lean towards a higher-pitched sound, although the Darling has a more resonant and engaging sound compared to the Lupine's neutral and classic clacky sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a lively and responsive typing experience with a spring-like feedback. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. While the Darling emphasizes on a bouncy and substantial feel, the Lupine focuses more on providing a polished and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling provides a more resonant and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, while the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound with a mild and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the more engaging and lively Darling or the traditional and refined Lupine for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver satisfactory results based on the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Durock Lupine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, along with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a consistent weight distribution with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, along with a classic clacky sound profile, then the Durock Lupine switch might be the more suitable choice. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and qualities, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that matches your typing style and preferences.
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