Durock Lupine vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock lupine and the TTC neptune are both linear mechanical keyboard switches offering unique features for different typing experiences. The lupine is praised for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful upward movement during rebound. With a classic clacky sound profile, the lupine is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished. On the other hand, the TTC neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth, frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi. This switch provides a matte feel with muted sound signature, making typing swift and effortless. Categorized as buttery, gummy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, muted, neutral, polished, subdued, thocky, the neptune offers a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. However, let's dive 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
41g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the TTC Neptune, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. However, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting as its translucency allows for a more vibrant display. On the other hand, the Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience compared to the Lupine.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Lupine features a nylon bottom housing which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Neptune contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, aligning with the polycarbonate top housing's effects and creating a cohesive auditory experience.
Overall, while the housing materials for the Lupine and Neptune switches differ between their top and bottom components, they ultimately deliver distinct sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Lupine results in a mix of sharper and deeper tones, whereas the Neptune's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a more uniform, clear sound profile throughout. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Lupine or the deeper, more pleasing sound of the Neptune, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Neptune has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter in comparison. Both switches have unknown actuation forces, but given the difference in bottom out force, it is likely that the Lupine may have a heavier actuation force than the Neptune. When considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Neptune for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might opt for the Lupine for a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we can see that the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Neptune has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users, with the Neptune offering just a touch more depth than the Lupine. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a slightly longer travel distance, the TTC Neptune may be the better option for you, while the Durock Lupine provides a slightly shorter travel for those seeking a quicker key press. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance that caters to those who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 various typing environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. It provides a classic clacky sound that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch produces a low-pitched, muted sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. This unique sound signature adds a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the classic clacky sound of the Lupine or the subdued, muted sound of the Neptune.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience with a two-stage long spring design providing consistent weight distribution and powerful upward movement on rebound. This switch falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance. The unique combination of sensations in the Neptune switch gives every keystroke a textured pleasure, akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Users looking for a smooth and refined typing experience may prefer the Neptune over the Lupine.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Lupine provides a classic clacky sound and a mild, polished typing feel, the Neptune delivers a low-pitched, muted sound and a buttery, gummy, frictionless typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired results. Additionally, both switches offer a harmonious balance in their own right, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, a unique matte feel, and a muted sound signature, the Neptune could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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