Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that deserve attention are the Outemu Lime and the Durock Lupine. The Lime switches are recognized for their lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silenced typing experience. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing feel with just a touch of tactility. On the other hand, the Lupine switches stand out due to their two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, they offer a classic clacky sound profile. While these general descriptions can help you get a sense of the switches, let's delve deeper into their unique characteristics to assist you in making the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Durock Lupine switches offer distinct characteristics that can be compared and contrasted. The Lime's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Visually, the polycarbonate top housing is more translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lime and the Lupine switches utilize nylon material. This commonality suggests that these switches will elicit similar sound profiles, characterized by a deeper and fuller tone resulting from the softer properties of nylon. The nylon bottom housing in both switches aids in absorbing sound and producing a duller and rounder overall sound.
When examining the overall impact of the different housing materials, it is important to consider how they affect the bottom-out and key release sound and feel. The characteristics brought by the bottom housing will primarily influence the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing will play a more significant role in determining the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the nuances in sound and feel between the Lime and the Lupine switches can be attributed to the contrasting properties of their respective top housings.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings differ for the Outemu Lime and the Durock Lupine switches, they both share the use of nylon in their bottom housings. This common material ensures that typing on both switches will evoke a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Lime offering a rounder sound with its nylon top housing, and the Lupine providing a sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, especially when RGB lighting is involved.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The Lime has a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Lupine's actuation force is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine how it compares to the Lime. However, the bottom out force of the Lime is 45 grams, indicating a slight increase in resistance when fully pressing the keys. In comparison, the Lupine has a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight and personal preferences, the Lime switch would be the lighter option, allowing for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it suitable for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Lupine switch caters to individuals who prefer a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing feel. It provides a satisfying level of resistance and feedback that some users may find appealing.
It is important to note that if the actuation forces of the two switches were the same, one could expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, since the actuation force of the Lupine is unavailable, a direct comparison in this regard is not possible. Nonetheless, the clear distinction lies in the bottom out forces, with the Lime being lighter and the Lupine being heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that the Lupine has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of preference, gamers often favor shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker response times. Those who prioritize responsiveness may find the Lime switch more suitable. However, it is essential to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those seeking a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, the Lupine switch with its longer travel distance would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the selection between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is best described as having a neutral and muted profile. This means that it produces a moderate, softer, and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch also has a neutral sound profile but with a higher-pitched characteristic. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound profile, the Lupine would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Lime and Lupine switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable and fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. This can be due to the materials used in manufacturing or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and Durock Lupine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and similar ones in terms of feel. The Lime provides a neutral and muted sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. Its feel is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a light and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Lupine also has a neutral sound profile but with a high-pitched characteristic, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Its feel is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish.
In conclusion, while the Lime and Lupine switches have different sound profiles, they both offer mild and polished typing experiences. If you're looking for a quieter and softer sound, the Lime is a great choice, while the Lupine provides a more high-pitched sound. However, in terms of feel, you can expect similar results with both switches as they offer a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and the specific qualities you desire in a typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lightweight tactile switch with a feathery typing experience and a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them light and easy to press. Additionally, they are silenced, providing a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a more powerful upward movement and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine switches are the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a medium level of resistance. They are also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Lime and Lupine switches will depend on your preference for tactility, typing force, and sound profile.
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