Durock Lupine vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switch options with their distinct features stand out. The Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a unique typing experience with consistent weight distribution on press and a powerful upward movement on rebound. It also offers a classic clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience due to the updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. This switch combines tradition with modern innovation, offering a different tactile feel compared to the Lupine. While the Lupine leans towards a neutral and high-pitched sound profile, the Nixie offers a textured and low-pitched typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and Cherry Nixie both showcase different housing materials for their switches, with the Lupine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Nixie has a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Lupine's top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound profile, thanks to its stiffness which enhances the resonance of the sound. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to deliver a unique typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
While the Lupine's bottom housing is made of nylon, similar to the Nixie's overall housing material, the impact of the bottom housing material on the typing experience differs. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the Nixie's overall sound quality. However, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch means that the qualities of each material are more pronounced in their respective areas. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine and Cherry Nixie switches showcase the significance of housing materials in shaping the sound profile of mechanical switches. The Lupine's use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those who prefer a rounder sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences, demonstrating the versatility of housing materials in enhancing the overall performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, which is heavier. The bottom out force of the Lupine is 62 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the Nixie has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Lupine may be preferable for those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, while the heavier Nixie switch may appeal to those seeking a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Nixie. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Lupine may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive feel, while the Nixie could be chosen by those who enjoy a slightly deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer different auditory experiences. The Lupine provides a classic clacky sound profile, which is often described as neutral or high-pitched. In contrast, the Nixie switches are known for their thocky, low-pitched sound that gives a deep and satisfying tone when typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Lupine linear switch is noted for its mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of the Lupine switch provides a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch offers smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a textured typing experience, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this textured feel, while others may lean towards a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and Nixie switches in terms of feel would depend on whether you prefer a polished, refined typing experience or a more textured feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lupine switch provides a classic clacky sound with a mild and polished typing experience, the Nixie switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can choose between these switches to achieve a typing experience that aligns with your personal preferences. However, if you enjoy the qualities of one switch, you can expect similar results in terms of typing experience when using the other, as both switches offer quality performance in their respective sound and feel categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Lupine with 62 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, the Nixie with 80 grams may be more suitable. Additionally, think about the sound profile you prefer. If you like a more high-pitched sound, the Lupine may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound, the Nixie could be the better option. When it comes to feel, if you prefer a milder, polished typing experience, the Lupine might be more appealing. But if you enjoy a textured feel, the Nixie could be the switch for you. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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