Gateron Glory Red vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options in the linear category are the Gateron Glory Red and the Durock Lupine. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lightweight feel, offering a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance that many typists find appealing for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switches stand out due to their innovative two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a more powerful rebound that offers an exciting tactile feedback. Additionally, the Lupine features a classic clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, both switches present unique benefits depending on personal preferences—whether you lean towards the lightweight and smooth nature of the Glory Red or the robust and dynamic experience of the Lupine. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the Durock Lupine switches, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The Glory Red features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Lupine employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This contrast in materials leads to different acoustic characteristics: while the Glory Red offers a more muted sound, the Lupine's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer resonance, significantly affecting the overall sound when typing.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a consistent audio experience between the two. The benefits of a nylon bottom housing are apparent in both models, as they share the same acoustic properties characterized by a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This mutual use of nylon means that, despite the differing top housings, the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when pressing down on the switches will have a similar auditory profile. As such, users may find that even with the distinct upper characteristics of each switch, the bottom sound and feel remain largely consistent across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of materials leads to an impressive variance in performance that may cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red’s nylon top and bottom housing create an overall softer sound, appealing to those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Lupine’s polycarbonate top housing enables a more vibrant and audible typing feel, while the shared nylon bottom retains some acoustic consistency. Therefore, users focused on sound dynamics might choose based on their preference for either a more subdued and muted experience or a sharper auditory feedback, making both switches valuable options depending on the desired tactile and auditory outcomes.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch reveals some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Red has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lupine does not have a specified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 62 grams, considered medium in strength. This suggests that the Lupine may have a heftier actuation feel, which some typists might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Glory Red is clearly the lighter switch based on its known actuation force, the Durock Lupine's unspecified actuation force means we cannot directly compare their actuation characteristics. However, if you prefer a lighter switch that allows for prolonged use, the Glory Red would be the better choice, while the Lupine might appeal to those who favor a heavier, more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that, by choosing the Glory Red switch, users can enjoy a slightly more responsive experience, appealing particularly to gamers who prefer quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more satisfying depth for those who favor a fuller key feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is noted for its smooth and unobtrusive auditory profile, which contributes to a more serene typing experience. Given its design, the sound produced is likely to be a soft thock or muted clack, making it suitable for environments where noise levels might be a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch presents a more varied sound profile, characterized by a combination of neutral tones and higher-pitched clacks. This means that while it still maintains a generally crisp sound, it has the potential to produce more pronounced auditory feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging auditory experience while typing.
Regarding feel, the Glory Red switch is recognized for its smooth keystrokes, offering a pleasing travel distance that ensures a satisfying typing experience. Its linear design results in consistent resistance throughout the press, making it especially favorable for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Durock Lupine switch boasts a unique feel due to its two-stage long springs, which create a balanced weight during key presses and deliver an additional sense of upward rebound. This results in a typing experience that, while still smooth, gives a more dynamic feel, especially on the rebound. The Lupine's mild characteristics also mean that it provides a gentle touch, welcoming both novice and experienced typists alike.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red excels in offering a soft and serene sound profile paired with a smooth keystroke experience, the Durock Lupine presents a more complex auditory landscape complemented by a dynamic and engaging feel. Both switches cater to different preferences but aim to provide enjoyable typing experiences. Users who appreciate a quiet ambiance and smooth typing may lean towards the Glory Reds, whereas those seeking a slightly more pronounced auditory and physical feedback may find the Lupines more to their liking. Both switches, however, highlight the diversity of linear switch experiences available in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lighter keystroke with a smooth travel experience, the Glory Red may be more suited for you, particularly if you prefer a less tactile feel and a swift typing experience with minimal resistance. This switch is ideal for those who spend long hours typing or gaming and prefer a quieter, more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more weight and feedback in your typing, the Durock Lupine switch could be the better choice. With its medium bottom-out force and two-stage long springs, the Lupine provides a unique typing experience that combines a satisfying, clacky sound with a polished feel. It's excellent for those who want a balanced switch that accommodates both casual typing and gaming sessions without being overwhelming. Therefore, consider your typing habits and sound preferences carefully to select the switch that best matches your needs.
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