Durock Lupine vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Lupine and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, it all boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Lupine, a linear switch, is favored for its consistent weight distribution and powerful rebound, providing a satisfying typing experience with a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Mallo, a tactile switch, offers a gentle tactility that strikes a balanced chord for typists with its subtle feedback and medium-light typing feel. While the Lupine falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Mallo is categorized as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine the best fit for your typing needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the KTT Mallo, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mallo also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities to the Lupine in terms of depth and fullness.
While both the Lupine and Mallo switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the different bottom housing materials offer distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more muted and rounder sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a deeper resonance. This difference in bottom housing materials allows for users to customize their sound preference based on whether they prefer a sharper sound profile from the top housing or a fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. Ultimately, the split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials provide a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
In summary, the Durock Lupine and KTT Mallo switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for sharper and crisper sound profiles, the use of nylon bottom housings sets them apart in terms of sound depth and resonance. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound with the Lupine's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing or a similar experience with the Mallo's housing materials, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and Mallo switches will come down to personal preferences in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter at a medium-light weight. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, indicating that they require no specific force to trigger a keystroke. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Mallo with its slightly lighter bottom out force, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Lupine. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch. The Lupine offers a slightly shallower press, making it a good choice for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a bit more depth to the key press, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of what feels most comfortable and efficient for the user.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch provide a neutral sound profile, making them versatile choices for various typing environments. The Lupine offers a high-pitched sound when pressed, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience, while the Mallo produces a more subdued sound that is dampened and subtle. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Lupine offering a louder and more distinctive sound compared to the Mallo's more understated approach.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, offering a smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery typing feel, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue. The Mallo also features a subtle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering, creating a balanced and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and the Mallo will depend on whether the user prefers a more pronounced tactile feel or a gentler typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Lupine excels in providing a distinctive high-pitched sound and a polished, mild typing experience, while the Mallo shines with its subdued sound profile and feathery tactility. Both switches are suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or seasoned enthusiasts, looking for a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Lupine and the Mallo will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should consider your personal preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a more powerful upward rebound movement and a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility with a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature that won't dominate in various typing environments, the Mallo would be a great fit. Remember to also take into account factors such as the actuation force and sound profile described for each switch to ensure your choice aligns with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision between the Lupine and Mallo switches comes down to your individual preferences and needs as a typist.
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