Durock Lupine vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Lupine and the Cherry MX Orange both offer distinct experiences, appealing to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Durock Lupine is lauded for its exceptional typing feel, characterized by two-stage long springs that provide a consistent weight distribution during key presses. This results in a rewarding tactile experience, particularly noticeable during the rebound, where users enjoy a more powerful upward movement accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, revived with enhancements from the original design, brings a legacy of reliability to the table, attracting those who appreciate a smooth, linear response without the additional noise. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, the Lupine excels in delivering a more dynamic tactile experience, whereas the MX Orange remains a solid choice for users seeking a straightforward, fuss-free typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Durock Lupine and Cherry MX Orange switches present intriguing contrasts and similarities in their housing materials that significantly influence their auditory properties. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This characteristic makes polycarbonate not only notable for its sound clarity but also aesthetically complementary for RGB lighting setups, as its translucence amplifies visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange uses a nylon top housing, producing a noticeably deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature. This absorption of sound results in a rounder audio experience, illustrating a distinct divergence in how each switch's top housing material contributes to the overall user experience.
Interestingly, both the Lupine and MX Orange incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This choice results in a consistent auditory foundation across both switches, leading to a similar bottom-out sound profile characterized by its depth and fullness. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties enhance the overall acoustics of each switch, creating a mellow auditory experience. Thus, while their top housings propel them into two distinct sound realms—one bright and crisp, the other deep and rounded—the bottom housings align them in a shared auditory quality that tends to moderate the overall experience when typing.
In summary, the combination of materials used in the Durock Lupine and Cherry MX Orange switches leads to a nuanced interplay between sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine provides a clarity that emphasizes auditory sharpness, making it ideal for users seeking a more pronounced sound when key releases occur. Conversely, the MX Orange’s nylon top housing enhances the lower frequencies, producing a soft and muted response. However, both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housings, which harmonizes and blends the sound dynamics of both models effectively. This similarity ensures that regardless of the distinctive sonic profiles at the top, both switches ultimately deliver a cohesive experience, emphasizing the nuanced impacts of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can affect user experience. The Durock Lupine has an actuation force that is unknown, while the Cherry MX Orange features a defined actuation force of 55 grams. This suggests that the MX Orange requires a defined amount of force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Lupine's bottom out force is 62 grams, categorized as medium, while the Cherry MX Orange lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, we observe that the Cherry MX Orange is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for a switch that facilitates extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lupine's heavier bottom out force may provide a more substantial feeling upon key press, aligning with preferences for a stronger actuation in typing. Overall, the options cater to different user preferences based on the desired typing experience and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keystroke, the shorter travel distance of the Lupine may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation and potentially faster response times—ideal for gamers. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a deeper feel that some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, choosing between the Lupine and the MX Orange depends on your personal preference for keystroke feel: shorter travel for rapid actions versus a deeper travel for a more substantial typing experience. In this comparison, the Durock Lupine is the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Orange is the longer.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Lupine switch stands out with its classic clacky sound that possesses a high-pitched quality. This creates a sharp and crisp auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound without excessive bass. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange does not have a detailed sound description available, so we cannot directly compare its auditory characteristics. However, given its reputation, it may offer a more neutral tone, which can also be appealing depending on personal preferences and the specific keyboard setup being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switches are characterized by their mild and polished nature. The mildness of these switches provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable for a range of users, while the polished quality ensures a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction during key presses. This results in a consistently satisfying tactile experience. The Cherry MX Orange switch details regarding feel are lacking; therefore, we cannot make a direct comparison. However, if it's aligned with the Cherry heritage, one might expect a sturdy and reliable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a distinct auditory profile with its clacky sound and high-pitched tones, alongside a smooth feel due to its well-designed interior and refined finish. While details on the Cherry MX Orange are limited, it’s reasonable to assume that it provides a more neutral auditory experience and could have a solid typing feel, potentially catering to traditional Cherry switch enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Lupine or the MX Orange, both switches aim to cater to satisfying the typing experience, albeit in different ways, aligning with varied preferences among users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, along with a pleasant clacky sound profile and smooth key travel, you would likely gravitate towards the Durock Lupine. Its two-stage long springs provide a unique feel with consistent weight distribution and an assertive rebound, making it ideal for both casual typists and gamers who enjoy the responsiveness of their switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic Cherry feel and are interested in a switch that has historical significance, the MX Orange could be a better fit for you. Although the specifics regarding sound and feel are less detailed, these switches aim to revive a beloved original design, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the legacy behind the brand. Overall, each switch offers distinct advantages, so consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what aspects—like sound, feel, or force—you prioritize to make the best decision for your typing experience.
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