Durock Lupine vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Magnetic Jade can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Lupine, with its linear design and unique two-stage long springs, provides a smooth and consistent feel, enabling a balanced weight distribution with a satisfying rebound. The switch is renowned for its classic clacky sound profile, combining a neutral and polished acoustic quality that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilizes hall effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound that enhances the auditory experience for users, particularly when upgrading keys on a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This hall effect switch caters to those who prioritize both superior tactile feedback and improved acoustics in their typing experience. Both switches have their distinct advantages, making them appealing to different types of users: the Lupine is ideal for those seeking a smooth linear feel, while the Magnetic Jade excels in sound quality and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Magnetic Jade exhibit notable similarities and differences that contribute to the overall acoustic profiles and tactile experiences of the switches. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This commonality ensures that both the Lupine and Magnetic Jade produce sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. The clarity and resonance associated with the use of polycarbonate not only enhance the auditory feedback but also make these switches compatible with RGB lighting setups, providing an aesthetically pleasing visual experience alongside their functional capabilities.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge in terms of material composition, with both the Durock Lupine and Gateron Magnetic Jade employing nylon. Nylon is known for its softer, more sound-absorbing qualities, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the higher tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. This duality in materials means that when typing, the overall sound and feel experience is shaped considerably by the bottom housing. While the polycarbonate top hones the sharper sounds associated with key release, the nylon bottom absorbs some of the impact, leading to a more rounded and mellower auditory feedback when the keys bottom out.
As a result of these differences in housing materials, users can expect a rich and multifaceted typing experience from both switches. With the higher-pitched resonance from the polycarbonate top and the fuller sound generated by the nylon bottom, both the Durock Lupine and Gateron Magnetic Jade provide distinct yet complementary auditory experiences. The similarities in their top housing lead to comparable crispness and clarity, while the unique characteristics of the nylon bottom allow for a fuller sound, giving both switches their unique identities despite their shared top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we see distinct differences in their specifications. The Lupine lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium force switch. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade exhibits a lighter actuation force at 30 grams, with a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that, despite the Lupine's unknown actuation force—which prevents a direct comparison of the actuation forces—what we can ascertain is that the Gateron Magnetic Jade will generally require less effort to trigger a keystroke, making it the lighter option. On the other hand, the Lupine, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push when typing or gaming for extended periods. Therefore, users looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Magnetic Jade, while those who favor a stronger tactile feedback may opt for the Durock Lupine.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Durock Lupine features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that users looking for a more responsive feel while typing or gaming might prefer the Gateron Magnetic Jade, as it offers a shorter travel distance conducive to quicker response times. Conversely, the Durock Lupine, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus 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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 considering sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile, characterized by a bright and high-pitched tone that provides clarity in acoustics. This makes it versatile for both work and home environments, as it balances well between not being too intrusive while also delivering an engaging typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is also recognized for its bright and clacky sound, tailored specifically for those who appreciate an enhanced acoustic experience. The combination of their high-pitched sound qualities positions both switches as excellent choices for anyone seeking auditory satisfaction from their keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switches shine with a gentle typing experience, featuring a mild actuation force that caters to a broad range of users. They are polished, which results in a smooth and refined action due to the quality of materials and possible factory lubrication, providing reduced friction and enjoyable key travel. While the details of the Gateron Magnetic Jade's tactile feel remain unspecified, it is regarded as a premium option intended for an exceptional typing experience. Given that both switches target an enjoyable tactile sensation, it can be expected that they will deliver pleasing and engaging feedback during use.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch cater to enthusiasts looking for a bright, clacky auditory experience and enjoyable feel while typing. The Lupine’s well-defined sound and mild, polished feel make them approachable for a variety of users, while the Magnetic Jade's focus on superior acoustics positions them for those specifically seeking enhanced performance. Ultimately, with each switch presenting unique strengths, users can confidently choose either for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a solid and consistent typing experience, the Lupine is an excellent option, particularly for its balanced actuation force and enjoyable feedback provided by the two-stage long springs. You may find the moderate bottom-out force of 62 grams preferable for extended typing sessions, especially if you favor a slightly heavier switch that still feels smooth and polished. The Lupine's neutral yet high-pitched sound profile makes it versatile enough for varying environments, be it at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you prioritize acoustics and are looking to upgrade your Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is your best bet. With a lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams and a vibrant clacky sound, this switch enhances the auditory experience of each keystroke and is perfect for those who enjoy a lively feedback while typing. Therefore, whether you lean towards the stability and consistency of the Lupine or the engaging acoustics of the Magnetic Jade, your choice will ultimately reflect your typing style and environment.
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