Durock Lupine vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a vital role in enhancing your typing experience. The Durock Lupine stands out for its remarkable two-stage long springs, which deliver a consistent weight distribution during typing and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. This design results in a satisfying clacky sound profile that many users find enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches showcase innovation through their unique combination of a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This design could potentially offer a different tactile experience, catering to users who prioritize a smoother typing feel and durability. Ultimately, whether you prefer the classic sound and feel of the Lupine or the modern design of the Mars, both switches have their merits. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and Gateron Mars switches, noticeable differences emerge that significantly impact their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper and more resonant sound. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a high-pitched, crisp tactile feedback, especially when using RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's sound absorption properties contribute to a more muted, rounded sound when typing, catering to those who find a warmer sound more desirable. Together, these distinctions highlight the Lupine's striking clarity versus the Mars's mellower tones in terms of auditory feedback.
When we move to the bottom housings, the differences are equally pronounced yet intriguing in their effect on the overall typing feel. The Durock Lupine employs a nylon bottom housing, maintaining the same warm characteristic as its top housing, promoting sound absorption and a cushioned typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars is fitted with a POM bottom housing, known for creating a unique sound profile that leans toward the deeper and more muted side. While both models utilize materials that excel in dampening sound, the specifics of their compositions offer different tactile feedback; the nylon in the Lupine adds a well-rounded sensation as you bottom out, whereas the POM in the Mars provides an exceptional feel that emphasizes a softer landing.
Ultimately, the interplay between different housing materials in these switches means that while the Lupine’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom offer a combination of sharpness and warmth, the Mars’s nylon top paired with its POM bottom hinge upon a deeper and more muted typing experience. If one were to use both switches in tandem, the Lupine's clarity and the Mars's depth create a versatile typing environment, allowing enthusiasts to switch between sharper and warmer profiles. Therefore, though the materials differ across the switches, understanding their distinct roles—such as the significant impact of the top housing on release sound versus the bottom housing on the bottom-out experience—can lead to similar satisfactory typing results when one is mindful of these contributions.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine switch has an unknown actuation force, but a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating that it offers a substantial feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Mars switch features a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. However, like the Lupine, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown. This means that while the Lupine's heavier bottom out force might provide a more tactile experience, the Mars would feel lighter during keystrokes, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. For those who prefer a heavier switch that provides a more defined resistance, the Lupine might be the better choice, whereas the Mars offers a gentler touch, catering to users who prefer a lighter actuation.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will experience a marginally longer travel distance with the Lupine, which can provide a more traditional feel and potentially a more satisfying bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the Mars, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal more to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster key presses. Ultimately, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lupine offers a bit more depth, making it better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Mars is ideal for those who prioritize speed and rapid response.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 unique auditory experience characterized by a classic clacky sound profile. This sound is complemented by its high-pitched, crisp tones that make typing feel engaging and satisfying. The Lupine's neutral sound makes it versatile, suitable for various environments whether at home or work. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have a detailed sound profile provided, so its auditory characteristics remain unknown. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound quality of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switch is known for its mildness, providing a gentle typing experience that can appeal to a broad range of users, from beginners to experienced typists. The switch is polished, indicating a smooth key travel that reduces friction and enhances the typing experience. This makes the Lupine switch feel refined and carefully crafted, facilitating a more enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch are not specified, leaving an aspect of its performance uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and Gateron Mars linear switches offer distinct experiences, though details about the Mars are limited. The Lupine excels in sound and feel, with a clacky auditory profile and a smooth, mild typing sensation, making it an excellent choice for many users. Without detailed information on the Mars switch's sound and feel, direct comparisons remain challenging, but expectation of similar usability can arise depending on individual preferences and configurations with the keyboard and keycaps. As each switch brings its unique qualities, selecting between them may ultimately depend on personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Mars linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you appreciate a thoughtful design that offers a well-balanced typing experience, the Lupine is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams ensures a comfortable feel, suitable for both prolonged typing sessions and casual gaming, while the two-stage long springs provide a smooth rebound and a satisfying clacky sound profile. Moreover, its mild and polished characteristics make it accessible for both beginners and more seasoned users who prefer a balanced, versatile switch. Conversely, if you’re intrigued by innovative designs and potentially more unique materials, you might want to explore the Gateron Mars switches. Although their bottom-out force specifications weren’t available, their distinctive POK stem and Nylon-POM housing offer a modern touch to your typing experience. Overall, choose the Lupine for a classic typing feel with a pleasant sound or consider the Mars for a fresh, exploratory switch that could add an innovative flair to your setup.
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