Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct typing experiences. The Lupine is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its two-stage long springs that provide a consistent weight distribution on the press down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. This switch also produces a classic clacky sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that offers a different sensation with each keystroke, providing a tactile bump for feedback. While the Lupine is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished, the Cream Yellow has no defined characteristics. Choosing between these switches will largely depend on your preference for linear or tactile feedback. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Cream Yellow, it is evident that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This commonality means that typing on both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Lupine stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While both the Lupine and the Cream Yellow share a nylon bottom housing, they diverge when it comes to their top housing material. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which, like its bottom housing, produces a deep and full sound profile. In contrast, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This variation highlights how different housing materials can influence the acoustics and tactile experience of a switch, providing users with distinct sound profiles and typing sensations.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Cream Yellow demonstrates the importance of considering the impact on sound and feel when customizing mechanical switches. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing complements its overall sound profile, emphasizing a fuller and rounder tone. By understanding how different housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience, enthusiasts can tailor their switches to achieve their desired sound and feel preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force varies between the two. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, while the Cream Yellow requires 45 grams. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is quite similar, with the Lupine at 62 grams and the Cream Yellow at 60 grams. This means that while the Cream Yellow may require a lighter initial force to trigger a keystroke, both switches will provide a similar typing experience when bottoming out. The lighter actuation force of the Cream Yellow may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience, while the Lupine's slightly heavier bottom out force may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them favorable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Lupine may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more immediate and abrupt feel, the Cream Yellow with its slightly shorter travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results from either 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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 offers a classic clacky sound profile, which can be described as neutral or high-pitched depending on the user's preference. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare to the Lupine in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lupine linear switch provides a typing experience characterized by a two-stage long spring mechanism, offering a consistent weight distribution on press and a more powerful rebound movement. This switch is described as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Cream Yellow switch are unknown, preventing a direct comparison to the Lupine in this regard.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a unique typing experience with distinct sound and feel characteristics, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the tactile qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch remain unknown, it is important to consider individual preferences and typing styles when selecting a switch for your keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, but users should carefully consider their preferences for sound, feel, and overall performance before making a decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force with a two-stage long spring design and classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine is a great choice. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a smooth and gentle typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and needs. Ultimately, the decision lies with you and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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