Durock Lupine vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to find the perfect fit for their typing style and preferences. The Durock Lupine and the HMX Macchiato are two exceptional linear switches that cater to distinct tastes. The Lupine is celebrated for its two-stage long springs, providing a unique typing experience characterized by a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward rebound. This results in a satisfying clacky sound profile that many typists find enjoyable. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, focuses on delivering a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize a refined tactile feel. While both switches offer linear action, the choice between the classic clack of the Lupine and the sleek brightness of the Macchiato ultimately hinges on individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the HMX Macchiato exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impact the auditory characteristics of each switch. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality arises from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clearer resonance when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer composition. This distinction means that users seeking distinct auditory feedback from their switches will find the Lupine offers a more vibrant sound, whereas the Macchiato might appeal to those who prefer a rounded and warm audio experience.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both the Lupine and Macchiato share a nylon material, leading to similarities in their acoustic profiles. The nylon's inherent properties contribute to a more substantial bottom-out sound and feel, as it absorbs vibrations effectively, resulting in a more muted sound when the key is fully pressed down. Thus, regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will deliver a consistent experience in the bottom half, ensuring on-the-ground performance aligns in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. This shared material choice fosters a complementary aspect that harmonizes the tactile experience across different key presses.
In essence, the construction of the Durock Lupine and the HMX Macchiato reveals a balancing act between their contrasting top housing materials and their shared nylon bottoms. The polycarbonate top of the Lupine caters to users favoring clarity and sharpness, especially in RGB lighting situations. In juxtaposition, the nylon top of the Macchiato is aligned with those who appreciate richer, fuller tones. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing means that users will experience a consistent sound profile when the keys are pressed down, uniting both switches through similar tactile feedback. This combination demonstrates how varying housing materials can create distinct auditory palettes while still providing a foundational auditory experience when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine’s actuation force is unknown, while it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is classified as medium. In contrast, the Macchiato boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction suggests that the Macchiato may be more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, as the lighter actuation allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Lupine's heavier bottom out force contributes to a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who favor a firmer feel when typing. Overall, for those seeking a lighter option, the HMX Macchiato is the clear choice, whereas the Durock Lupine could cater to those who prefer a medium push feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Macchiato features a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This makes the Durock Lupine the shorter option, appealing to users who prioritize faster response times due to the reduced distance. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, with its longer travel distance, may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced key feel and hearty depth during key presses. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences; if you're inclined towards quicker, more responsive action, the Lupine's shorter travel will result in a more immediate response. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper typing experience, the Macchiato offers that traditional travel depth.
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 HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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 Durock Lupine linear switch is characterized by its classic clacky sound profile, which features a high-pitched tone. This sound can appeal to users who prefer a sharper auditory feedback when typing, with a neutral overall sound that suits various environments, whether for casual use at home or in a professional setting. Meanwhile, while specific details about the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato linear switch are not provided, it is highlighted that it is designed for a bright sound. This suggests that the Macchiato switch may still provide a pleasant auditory experience, potentially offering a more pronounced high-frequency sound, but without the specifics, it’s uncertain how it directly compares to the Lupine.
Regarding the feel, the Lupine switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics. This combination offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it accessible to a broad range of users, regardless of their typing style. The two-stage long springs contribute to this feel, resulting in a consistent weight distribution and a more forceful rebound. On the other hand, no specific information is available about the feel of the HMX Macchiato switch, which leaves the nature of its tactile feedback and resistance largely unknown at this point.
In summary, while the Durock Lupine switches offer a distinct sound profile characterized by its clacky tone and engaging feel that emphasizes a smooth and consistent typing experience, the HMX Macchiato switches promise a bright auditory feedback but lack clear descriptions regarding their tactile qualities. Due to this uncertainty about the Macchiato, it might be difficult to draw direct comparisons in feel, but the Lupine's established reputation provides confidence for users seeking a reliable linear switch. Ultimately, both switches can bring enjoyable results but with differing auditory experiences where the Lupine stands out in clarity and tactile smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, your preferences in typing feel and sound profile will guide your choice. If you enjoy a medium actuation force and seek a typing experience that combines a consistent weight distribution with a satisfying clacky sound, the Lupine would be the ideal option for you. Its two-stage long springs provide a distinctive rebound feel that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you appreciate a switch that balances firmness with a smooth return. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a gentle and silky smooth feel, the Macchiato is the way to go. Designed for those who favor a bright sound profile, this switch offers an effortless typing experience that can be especially accommodating for long periods of use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a robust typing feedback and sound or prioritize ease of use and a softer keypress.
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