Durock Lupine vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stand out as notable options. The Lupine, a linear switch, is best known for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on the downstroke and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This switch also offers a classic clacky sound profile, which adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch, offers a sharp and unique feel. With its blend of PBT top and bottom housing, this switch provides a premium typing experience. It features a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. Furthermore, the Moyu Black produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound on the downstroke. While these general pointers can help in making a decision, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to ensure you select the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ significantly. The Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) opts for a PBT top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its relatively stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the use of a clear polycarbonate housing allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing. Meanwhile, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a neutral sound profile. It may not be exceptionally crisp, but it is also not dull.
The differences continue with the bottom housing materials. The Lupine features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its classic switch housing qualities. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs a PBT bottom housing, which retains the same neutral sound profile as its top housing counterpart. The PBT bottom housing does not significantly enhance or dampen sound, making it consistent with the overall sound profile of the switch.
Considering the split configurations where the top and bottom housings differ, it is essential to note the respective impacts of each housing material on the overall switch experience. When depressing a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evidently felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feel. In contrast, the top housing comes into play when releasing a key, affecting the sound that emanates as the key is let go. Therefore, for switches utilizing different top and bottom housing materials, the combination of these materials will ultimately determine the overall sound profile, typing experience, and aesthetic qualities of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are some notable differences to consider. The actuation force of the Lupine is currently unavailable, while the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Lupine measuring at 62 grams and the Moyu Black slightly heavier at 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Moyu Black may be the preferred option due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lupine's force requirement for actuation is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of lightness.
However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the heavier bottom out force of the Moyu Black may be enticing. This added resistance can provide a more satisfying typing experience, reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards. Unfortunately, without the actuation force information for the Lupine, it is challenging to determine if it offers a similar level of force or if it is lighter or heavier than the Moyu Black.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black and the Durock Lupine switches have some contrasting features when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Moyu Black offers a known actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine's actuation force remains unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. Overall, individual preferences for lighter or heavier typing experiences will determine which switch is more suitable.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Moyu Black has a slightly longer distance compared to the Lupine. A 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a good balance between shallow and deep keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Lupine would be a suitable choice. However, those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes may find the longer travel distance of the Moyu Black more appealing. Both switches offer different advantages, so it ultimately comes down to 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
The Durock Lupine linear switch offers a unique typing experience. With its two-stage long springs, users will feel a consistent weight distribution when pressing down, followed by a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. As for sound, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a distinct and impactful typing experience. It features a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. When typing, the downstroke bump produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also offers a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, further enhancing the typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the Lupine switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and versatile option suitable for most users. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers a resonant sound profile that is higher-pitched, clean, and sharp. This creates an immersive auditory experience while typing. 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, the Lupine switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch offers an accented tactile feel. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is also characterized by its sharp tactile bump, offering high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, while the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have their distinct qualities, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences. The Lupine offers a consistent weight distribution and a classic clacky sound profile, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a strong and sharp tactile feel, along with satisfyingly sharp and punchy sound. Both switches have their merits, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a consistent weight distribution, and a classic clacky sound profile, then the Durock Lupine is a great choice for you. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished feel, making it approachable and suitable for most typing experiences.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a sharp and strong upstroke bump, and a hypertactile sensation, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the switch for you. It provides a resonant sound profile, giving you a clean and sharp auditory experience. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an accented and sharp tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming.
Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a more gentle tactile bump, go for the Lupine. If you prefer a highly tactile and impactful typing experience, opt for the Moyu Black (Dark Jade). Both switches offer unique qualities and will enhance your typing experience in their own ways. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your typing style and preferences the best.
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