HMX Hibiscus vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate toward the HMX Hibiscus and the Durock Lupine, both linear switches that cater to distinct typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, providing an exceptionally smooth and pristine typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize a light touch and a satisfying, clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Lupine offers a unique typing sensation with its two-stage long springs, delivering balanced weight distribution and a more pronounced upward movement on rebound, culminating in a classic clacky sound that many typists enjoy. While the Hibiscus appeals to those seeking a feather-light feel, the Lupine caters to users who appreciate a slightly more robust and dynamic feedback during typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
The HMX Hibiscus and Durock Lupine switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials that significantly affect the typing experience and resultant sound profiles. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, a classic material that tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This quality allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller but rounder auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Durock Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent translucency of polycarbonate also offers aesthetic benefits, especially for users interested in RGB lighting, as it enhances the illumination effect for a more vibrant visual display.
The situation is different when we look at the bottom housing of both switches. Both the Hibiscus and the Lupine utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which ensures that both switches share the same qualities when it comes to bottoming out during typing. This common feature means that players utilizing either switch will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile while bottoming out, as nylon absorbs sound and contributes to a rounded auditory experience, regardless of the differences in the top housing. This similarity highlights how the bottom housing can unify the overall typing feedback, creating a more cohesive feel despite variations in acoustics produced by the top housing.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of top and bottom materials in the HMX Hibiscus and Durock Lupine serves to create unique overall sound profiles for each switch type. While the Hibiscus offers a softer, more muted high-end sound due to its nylon top housing, the Lupine provides a brighter and clearer sound signature thanks to its polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, both switches maintain a consistent bottoming-out experience that aligns with the properties of their nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory signature. Thus, players can expect a blend of sound characteristics that reflect the influencers of both top and bottom housings, allowing for a personalized typing experience that satisfies different auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features an actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it relatively light, while its bottom out force is 48 grams. In contrast, the Durock Lupine's bottom out force is 62 grams, categorized as medium, but its actuation force remains unspecified. This indicates that the Hibiscus is the lighter option, appealing to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, ideal for extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the Lupine may cater to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, despite the lack of clarity on its actuation force. Overall, if the Lupine's actuation force were known and confirmed to be heavier, it would solidify its position as the choice for those favoring a firmer push, while the Hibiscus would remain ideal for users seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, the Hibiscus measures 3.5 mm, while the Lupine offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.7 mm. This means that the Hibiscus is particularly suited for those who favor a more responsive keypress, making it ideal for gamers seeking quick actions. In contrast, the Lupine, with its greater travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who enjoy deeper keystrokes and a more pronounced tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, the Hibiscus offers a shorter and quicker response, whereas the Lupine caters to those who prefer a more traditional, deeper engagement with their keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy audio profile that makes it enjoyable to type on. This sound signature is appealing for users who like a vibrant auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch offers a classic clacky sound profile, but with a more pronounced high-pitched quality. This sharp sound results in a distinct auditory experience that can be quite engaging in its own right. Both switches lean towards a sonic profile that enhances the typing experience, though the Hibiscus may offer a slightly richer tonality compared to the higher-pitched emphasis of the Lupine.
Regarding feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness that creates a pristine typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate a seamless stroke. In comparison, the Durock Lupine switch provides a consistent weight distribution when pressed and features a two-stage spring that contributes to a more forceful upward rebound. The Lupine's feel can be described as mild and polished, offering a refined typing experience with less friction, thus ensuring smooth key travel. While both switches emphasize a pleasant typing experience, the Hibiscus may cater to users who prioritize ultra-smooth action, while the Lupine appeals to those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience with subtle feedback.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus and Durock Lupine linear switches provide enjoyable typing experiences but differ in their sound and feel characteristics. The Hibiscus excels with its clacky, exciting auditory feedback and super smooth actuation, while the Lupine stands out with its high-pitched sound and a well-balanced tactile experience due to its unique spring design. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing sensations, as both switches will deliver satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you favor a lighter touch and desire a typing experience that feels incredibly smooth and satisfying, the HMX Hibiscus will be an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and a notable sound profile that is both clacky and poppy, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a nimble and lively keyboard. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force of 62 grams, the Durock Lupine offers a polished feel that is versatile for both home and office settings. Its neutral yet high-pitched sound can cater to a broader audience, making it suitable whether you’re a beginner or more experienced with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, your individual typing style and environment will guide you towards the best switch for your needs.
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