Zuoce Lavender vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Zuoce Lavender and the Durock Lupine. The Lavender switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness straight out of the box, thanks to its unique Ly blend, offering a crisp and clacky sound signature that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine switch stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile. While the Lavender switch is easy to press and clacky, the Lupine switch is described as neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished. Each switch offers its own unique benefits and characteristics, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best choice for your individual typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Durock Lupine switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Lavender's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender also contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Lupine creates a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Lupine switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of POM in the top housing of the Lavender provides a pleasing sound quality, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine offers a more distinct and sharp sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Lupine absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound of the POM bottom housing of the Lavender. Overall, both switches excel in delivering a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the POM or nylon in the Lavender and Lupine respectively, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing, whether POM or polycarbonate in the Lavender and Lupine, affects the sound when the key is released. While their housing materials may be different, the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Lupine switches both offer a unique typing experience that caters to varying sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender and Durock Lupine linear switches, it is evident that they offer slightly different weight options. The Lavender switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Lupine switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Lavender switch more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience may opt for the Lupine switch's heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force weights in order to achieve the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Durock Lupine linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Lavender switch provides a quicker response time, making it preferred by gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may feel more substantial to some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the market for their efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch provides a neutral sound with a high-pitched tone, ensuring a crisp and distinct sound when typing. While the Lavender switch focuses on a more pronounced clacky sound, the Lupine switch strikes a balance between actuation force and sound profile, catering to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Durock Lupine switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Lavender switch focusing on effortless key presses and the Lupine switch offering a refined and approachable feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is best suited for those looking for a crisp and clacky typing experience with easy-to-press keys, enhancing overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch caters to those seeking a neutral sound profile with a polished feel, providing a middle-ground typing experience that appeals to a wider range of users. In conclusion, while both switches offer unique characteristics, users can expect a satisfactory typing experience with either switch, as they both deliver quality performance in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing needs of the individual.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smoother keystroke with a crisp and clacky sound, the Lavender may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound, along with a neutral sound profile with a hint of high-pitched notes, the Lupine might be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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