Gateron Luciola vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Durock Lupine are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and benefits. The Luciola is renowned for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark aesthetic, along with its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out with its two-stage long springs that deliver a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine imparts a classic clacky sound profile that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. Both switches offer their own unique typing experiences and sound profiles, making them attractive choices for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Durock Lupine differ significantly. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Lupine's top housing is made of polycarbonate. The INK blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, if you prefer a clacky sound with a thinner and higher pitch, the Luciola's INK blend top housing would be more suitable, whereas the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you desire a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing would be a better choice, while the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on your preference for the sound and feel of a switch, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can greatly affect your overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium level of resistance. The Gateron Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Durock Lupine's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is slightly higher at 62 grams.
Weight is an important consideration when it comes to switches, as it can significantly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Gateron Luciola with its 55 gram actuation force, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force is also ideal for prolonged gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Durock Lupine with its slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This provides a stronger push feel, adding a sense of solidity and satisfaction to each keystroke.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola and Durock Lupine linear switches are both medium, the Gateron Luciola is lighter with its 55 gram actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing and gaming sessions. The Durock Lupine, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting. The Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results due to their comparable travel distances, with only a marginal variation between them.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a distinctive "hollow can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving it a unique and attention-grabbing quality. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch has a classic clacky sound profile. This sound is characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches have a high-pitched characteristic, producing a sharp and crisp sound. Therefore, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, both switches will deliver similar results.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola is known for its smooth and bouncy typing feel. This is achieved through a medium heft and the use of two-stage long springs, providing a more responsive and lively typing experience. In addition, the Luciola switch can be described as snappy, giving it a super responsive feel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild typing experience, with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Lupine switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches share the characteristic of having a polished feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Durock Lupine switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, while providing a hollow and percussive sound profile and a smooth and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Lupine switch delivers a classic clacky sound profile and a mild typing experience with a polished feel. Both switches have a high-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, ensuring that you will get similar results in those aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Luciola switch is best known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and hollow sound profile reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a unique typing experience with its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. In terms of sound, the Luciola switch can be described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. On the other hand, the Lupine switch has a more neutral sound profile and can also be described as high-pitched. When it comes to feel, the Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, while the Lupine switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Consider these factors to determine which switch aligns with your preferences and needs.
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