Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Peach, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Lupine is praised for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a satisfying typing experience with a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, users can expect a classic clacky sound profile while using these switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches offer a different set of advantages. As the name suggests, these switches are incredibly lightweight, perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. Furthermore, the Outemu Peach switches are also silenced, ensuring a quieter typing environment. While these general pointers offer a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
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
3.30 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
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 Durock Lupine and the Outemu Outemu Peach differ in their choice of housing materials. The Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for those who desire a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the optimal showcasing of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both materials are suitable for typing, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing offers a more distinct and vibrant sound, particularly when releasing a key.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lupine and the Peach employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Its softer nature allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, making it an essential factor to consider when evaluating the overall typing experience. Therefore, despite their differences in top housing, the Lupine and the Peach provide a similar sound and feel due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch influence different aspects of the typing experience. Pressing down on a switch primarily engages the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the choice of bottom housing material becomes particularly crucial. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, when considering the Lupine and the Peach, the bottom housing will deliver a similar deep and full sound profile due to their shared use of nylon. However, the top housing will contribute to subtle variations in the sound and feel of the switches. The Lupine with its polycarbonate top housing will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Peach's nylon top housing imparts a deeper and duller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Lupine switch is unfortunately unavailable, whereas the Peach switch has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Lupine switch requires 62 grams of force, which falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Peach switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams.
Considering weight, the Lupine switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Peach switch. This additional weight may appeal to individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience or those who prefer a stronger push feel. Alternatively, the lighter Peach switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued.
While the exact actuation force of the Lupine switch remains unknown, if it happens to be similar to the 40 grams of the Peach switch, users can achieve similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and Peach switches will depend on personal preference regarding the desired actuation and bottom out forces, with the Lupine offering a potentially heavier experience and the Peach providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, it is clear that the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the acceptable range. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and use cases. Gamers, for example, may favor the shorter travel distance of the Peach switch as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience may lean towards the Lupine switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one values responsiveness or a deeper keystroke 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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 and the Outemu Peach switches have some similarities but also some differences. The Lupine switches have a classic clacky sound profile, which means they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Lupine and the Peach switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Lupine switches are described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Peach switches are also classified as mild, offering a safe middle-ground typing feel. They have a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and their polished finish ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Durock Lupine and Outemu Peach switches have their own unique qualities. The Lupine switches are known for their two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. This switch also offers a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Peach switches are lightweight and silenced, offering a feathery light typing experience. They produce a muted sound and have a subtle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, while the Lupine and Peach switches have their own distinct characteristics, they both offer enjoyable typing experiences. If you are looking for a switch with a classic clacky sound profile and a consistent weight distribution, the Lupine switches would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted sound and a lightweight typing experience, the Peach switches would be more suitable. However, it is important to consider other factors such as personal preference, the keyboard board, and keycaps used to ensure the best possible experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a consistent weight distribution, the Durock Lupine is a great option. It provides a classic clacky sound profile and offers a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a silenced sound profile, the Outemu Peach is the way to go. It offers a feathery light typing experience, suitable for linear enthusiasts, and provides a mild, subtle, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and Outemu Peach will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.