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Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, some key differences emerge. The Lupine is a linear switch, known for its two-stage long springs that provide a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. With a classic clacky sound profile, it is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that lacks a specific standout feature but is categorized as average. Choosing the Lupine may appeal to those who enjoy a smooth typing experience with a noticeable spring mechanism, while the Milk Tea may be more suitable for those seeking a quieter tactile 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

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

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Ly

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 Milk Tea, we see that they both use polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a similar sharp, high-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. The use of polycarbonate in both switches also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic. However, while the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a crisper sound profile, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is praised for offering bright and resonant clacks when typing.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Lupine and the Milk Tea utilize nylon for this component. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. This shared characteristic between the two switches indicates that they will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing provides a more subtle impact on the sound compared to the top housing.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Milk Tea plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound with the added bonus of RGB lighting compatibility, they differ in the bottom housing material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact of softer plastics on sound absorption and tone. Ultimately, the different combinations of housing materials in the Lupine and Milk Tea contribute to unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lupine has a light actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes, while the Milk Tea requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Milk Tea, whose bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Milk Tea may be the preferable choice, as its actuation force is lower. On the other hand, those who prefer a more solid and substantial typing experience may opt for the Lupine due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits, depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being closer to the 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lupine for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.

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 Milk Tea 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

Overall, when comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Lupine has a more classic clacky sound profile compared to the unknown sound profile of the Milk Tea. In terms of feel, the Lupine offers a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on rebound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's tactile feel is unknown. Based on the information provided, it is clear that the Lupine linear switch stands out for its distinctive sound and feel qualities, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If seeking a switch with similar results to the Lupine, one should consider linear switches with a neutral sound profile and mild typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preference for keypress force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium keypress force with a consistent weight distribution and classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress force and a different typing experience, the Milk Tea may suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities and characteristics that align with your preferences as a typist.

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