Durock Lupine vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Lupine and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. This switch offers a classic clacky sound profile and is categorized as neutral, mild, and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch, manufactured by BSUN, boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, creating a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a light bottom-out force and the use of Ly for the stem material, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions with ease. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant, the Milk Tea switch is ideal for those who require a softer typing experience. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is evident that they both prioritize creating a unique and pleasing sound profile for the switches. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their strengths and contribute to the overall typing experience in different ways. However, they both excel in enhancing the sound produced by the switches, albeit in distinct ways.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder sound profile. On the other hand, POM offers a unique sound quality that complements the top housing material in creating a harmonious typing experience. Despite their differences in material composition, both bottom housings aim to enhance the overall sound produced by the switches.
Overall, while the Lupine and Milk Tea differ in their housing materials, they both strive to create a satisfying sound profile that enhances the typing experience. The use of polycarbonate and POM in the top housings contributes to distinct sound characteristics, with polycarbonate offering a sharp and clear sound, while POM provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings work to further enhance the sound profile of the switches, with nylon offering a fuller sound and POM contributing to a unique and pleasing typing experience. In conclusion, both switches prioritize the sound quality produced by their housing materials, albeit in different ways, to provide users with an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Milk Tea has a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making the Milk Tea lighter in this aspect. The actuation force of the Lupine is not specified, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea may make it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, while the heavier bottom out force of the Lupine could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Lupine is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Milk Tea is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect a different typing experience with each switch, depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we can see that the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, as they will likely experience similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Overall, the Lupine could be considered slightly longer than the Milk Tea, but in practice, the two are quite comparable in terms of travel distance.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of typing environments, making it versatile for different users and settings. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of high-pitched and marbly characteristics, creating a sharp yet muted sound that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences and typing scenarios.
When it comes to feel, the Lupine switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle keypress and refined finish that results in a smooth typing feel. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch also boasts a polished surface, enhancing the overall sleekness of the typing experience and reducing friction for effortless key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, catering to users who value a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, while the Milk Tea delivers a high-pitched, marbly sound and a polished, silky feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and comfort, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a classic clacky sound profile with a consistent weight distribution, the Lupine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, along with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Milk Tea switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing feel and sound profile align best with your personal preferences and typing style.