Durock Lupine vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, with the Durock Lupine and Cherry MX Purple RGB serving as notable representatives of their respective categories: linear and tactile. The Durock Lupine, celebrated for its two-stage long springs, delivers a smooth and consistent typing experience, coupled with a satisfying clacky sound that adds a touch of auditory enjoyment to each keystroke. Its neutral to high-pitched sound profile appeals to users who prefer an uninterrupted flow of keystrokes that facilitates fast typing without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a distinct tactile feedback with its short, medium-strength bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced response when pressing keys. This characteristic can enhance typing accuracy, especially for typists who rely on tactile cues. While both switches bring their unique strengths to the table—smoothness and sound versus tactile feedback and accuracy—choosing between them ultimately depends on your individual typing style and preferences. 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
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 housing materials of the Durock Lupine and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches present an intriguing contrast in terms of sound profiles and aesthetic functionality. The Durock Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs nylon for its top housing. The polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly when the switch is activated and released, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Purple RGB results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material, which absorbs more sound and consequently produces a rounder auditory experience. Aesthetically, while both switches can be visually enhanced through RGB lighting, the Durock's clear polycarbonate top is specifically designed to maximize the illumination effects, highlighting the vibrant colors produced by RGB setups.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a consistent foundation in sound quality. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Durock Lupine and Cherry MX Purple RGB results in a similar sound profile marked by a deeper and more resonant quality. Given that the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feeling when the switch is pressed down, users will experience a comparable auditory feedback regardless of the top housing material. This consistency in the bottom housing helps bridge the gap between the two switch styles, allowing users to enjoy the deeper sound characteristic shared by nylon.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the overall sound experience will vary based on the interaction between the two housing types. The sharpness of polycarbonate in the Durock Lupine’s top fosters a unique sound on release, while the softer nylon bottom relies on its ability to provide a rounded and full sound upon bottoming out. The dual-material approach in both switches reveals how the combination of different materials can selectively influence auditory characteristics, allowing users to tailor their preferences through the choice of switches. Therefore, while the Lupine and MX Purple RGB may offer different initial auditory profiles, the shared nylon bottoms ensure a level of consistency that allows for an enjoyable typing experience regardless of the switch choice.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we can see differences in their actuation force and bottom-out force that cater to different preferences. The Durock Lupine lacks a specified actuation force, while its bottom-out force is measured at 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. Although the bottom-out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown, we can infer that its actuation being lower may provide a quicker response, appealing to those who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch that feels more substantial, the Durock Lupine with its greater bottom-out force might be the better fit. However, if you like a lighter touch for efficiency, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a clear differentiation in their specifications. The Durock Lupine boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Lupine switch offers a slightly shorter distance, making it a better fit for gamers looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing the keys, promoting a sense of depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: those seeking responsiveness might gravitate towards the Lupine, while those who appreciate a heartier keypress may favor the Cherry MX option.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 produces a classic clacky sound profile that may be more appealing to those who enjoy a sharper acoustic experience. Its neutral sound descriptor indicates a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for various environments, whether in a home office or a shared workspace. The high-pitched quality adds a crispness to its auditory feedback, which could be less ideal for users who prefer richer or deeper sounds. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a specified sound profile provided, making it difficult to directly compare the audible characteristics of both switches. However, given the general reputation of Cherry switches, the MX Purple may offer a balance that is neither too loud nor too quiet, differing slightly from the Lupine’s more pronounced clack.
In terms of feel, the Lupine linear switches are renowned for their mild and polished characteristics. The mild descriptor indicates a gentle typing experience, catering to a wide range of users by avoiding overly harsh or aggressive feedback. Its polished nature suggests that these switches offer a smooth and refined experience, likely aided by high-quality materials or factory lubrication, leading to reduced friction and fluid key travel. Conversely, there is no specific description of the feel for the Cherry MX Purple RGB, making it challenging to provide a detailed comparison. However, being a tactile switch, it is expected that the MX Purple provides a distinctly different feel, likely offering a pronounced bump during actuation that differentiates it from the smoothness characteristic of the Lupine.
In summary, while the Durock Lupine linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate a consistent and refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB presents a more traditional tactile response without explicit details on its sound and feel. The Lupine's qualities might attract those who seek a balanced and engaging mechanical experience, while the MX Purple could appeal to users interested in a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and even if the Cherry MX Purple's specifics remain unknown, users can still find satisfaction based on their personal preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a smooth, consistent typing experience paired with a satisfying clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine is an excellent option. Their medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, coupled with the distinctive two-stage long springs, offers a responsive key feel ideal for both typing and gaming. This switch shines especially if you prefer a typing experience that remains subtle yet refined, perfect for various environments whether at home or in a professional setting. Conversely, if you desire a tactile feedback that enhances your typing with a short, defined bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is your go-to choice. Developed to cater to enthusiasts, this switch fosters a more pronounced tactile sensation that can improve your typing accuracy and comfort over extended periods. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean more towards the smoothness and sound of linear switches like the Lupine or the tactile satisfaction provided by the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Consider your typing habits, preferences in feedback, and the environments where you'll use your keyboard, and you'll find the ideal switch to suit your style.
Mentioned in this article
