Durock Lupine vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference between different features and qualities. The Durock Lupine, a linear switch, is well-known for its two-stage long springs that provide a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful upward movement on rebound. With a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine offers a typing experience categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), another linear switch, boasts a smooth and affordable typing experience with buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched', the Milky Red Pro switches are a popular choice among budget-conscious users. 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
52g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, generates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This commonality suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when bottoming out keys on either switch. However, the differences lie in the top housing material, with the Lupine featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) opts for nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience, while the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) creates a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the variation in top housing materials between the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This consistency suggests that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be similar due to the absorbing nature of nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, where they differ is in the top housing material: the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for those seeking a sharper typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing elicits a more muffled sound, ideal for those looking for a softer typing feel.
The distinction between the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) becomes apparent in their top housing compositions. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine is designed to enhance the sharpness, pitch, and clarity of typing sounds, especially beneficial when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. While both switches share nylon bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound, the choice between the Lupine and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are notable differences. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Lupine. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lupine requires 62 grams, while the Milky Red Pro only needs 52 grams. This means that the Lupine is heavier to press all the way down compared to the Milky Red Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milky Red Pro may be the better choice, as it offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. On the other hand, the Lupine may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milky Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lupine. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lupine being on the shorter end and the Milky Red Pro being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Lupine for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more significant keypress depth may lean towards the Milky Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced by the Lupine is high-pitched, resulting in a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched "thock" sound, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users may enjoy the classic clacky sound of the Lupine or the buttery smoothness paired with the pleasing thock of the Milky Red Pro (KS-3).
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Lupine switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a buttery smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Lupine offering a more gentle feel and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) providing a smoother and more uniform typing sensation.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lupine provides a classic clacky sound with a mild typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy thock sound with a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Depending on whether you prefer a neutral, high-pitched sound with a polished typing experience or a bassy, thocky sound with a buttery smooth feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. By considering your preferences and the overall typing feel and sound you desire, you can choose between these two quality linear switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine would be a great choice for you. The Lupine offers a unique two-stage long spring design that provides a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and budget-friendly typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched “thock” sound, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be the ideal switch for you. The Milky Red Pro offers a buttery smooth keystroke experience, making typing a pleasure. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it really comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for.
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