Durock Lupine vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Lupine and the Durock Mamba, both of which are linear switches. If you're looking for a typing experience that offers a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, the Lupine switch with its two-stage long springs might be the perfect choice for you. Additionally, the classic clacky sound profile adds to the overall satisfaction. On the other hand, the Mamba switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and provides a gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches offer a similar categorized feel, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Durock Mamba differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, providing a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for housing switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mamba utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is bright but not excessively sharp.
Moving onto the bottom housing, the Lupine employs a nylon material to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. The POM housing produces a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted than the nylon material used in the Lupine.
Therefore, it is clear that the choice of housing materials in the Durock Lupine and the Durock Mamba greatly influences the overall sound profile and aesthetics of these switches. While the Lupine utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Mamba combines a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for the top housing and POM for the bottom housing. By understanding the characteristics of these housing materials, users can select the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is important to note that the specific force measurements are unavailable for both switches. However, we can still draw some comparisons based on the available information. In terms of weight, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience as they fall within the medium range for bottom out force. This means that they offer a decent level of resistance when pressed all the way down.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, the Lupine may be a suitable choice. While the actuation force is unknown, the fact that the bottom out force is 62 grams suggests that it is not overly heavy. This lighter weight could be advantageous for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, with a stronger push feel, the Mamba may be more suitable. Again, the actuation force is unknown for this switch, but the bottom out force is slightly lighter at 60 grams compared to the Lupine. This could provide a satisfying level of resistance for those who prefer a bit more weight in their typing experience.
Ultimately, while the specific actuation forces of these switches are unknown, it is likely that the results obtained from using both the Durock Lupine and Durock Mamba switches would be fairly similar. Both fall within the medium range for bottom out force, suggesting that they offer a balanced typing experience. The decision between the two would largely depend on individual preferences regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, both switches are on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers, who often value quick response times, may prefer the Mamba with its slightly shorter travel distance. It allows for faster keystrokes and quicker input recognition, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper keypress may find the Lupine with its 3.7 mm travel distance more suitable. While the difference between the two switches' travel distances is minimal, it may still be noticeable to individuals with specific preferences. Overall, both switches offer a shorter travel distance but with slightly different depths, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their desired responsiveness or keypress feel.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile. It produces a neutral sound, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users and whether used at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a rich and creamy auditory experience. It produces a thocky sound, which is a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Both switches offer pleasant auditory experiences, but with slightly different characteristics. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Lupine and the Durock Mamba linear switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. A mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users as their qualities fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches contributes to a sleek typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. So, both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing feel, thanks to their mildness and polished attributes.
Overall, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have their unique qualities, but they also share similarities. In terms of sound, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound, while the Mamba offers a rich and creamy thocky sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various users and situations. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and smooth typing feel. Therefore, whether you opt for the Lupine or the Mamba, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, you have several factors to consider. Both switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and 60 grams respectively, making them suitable for most typing purposes.
The Lupine switch is best known for its two-stage long springs, which provide a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a more powerful rebound. This switch offers a classic clacky sound profile, making it a good choice for those who prefer a neutral or high-pitched sound. Additionally, the Lupine switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Mamba switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. This switch also provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. The Mamba switch is particularly known for its thocky sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Similarly to the Lupine switch, the Mamba switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a comfortable and refined feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Lupine and Mamba switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound and a more powerful rebound, the Lupine switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a gliding typing sensation and a deep thocky sound, the Mamba switch would be a great fit. Regardless of your decision, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their moderate actuation force and polished finish. It's important to consider your preferences and choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment.
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