Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Lupine is revered for its two-stage long springs that offer a delightful typing experience with consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful rebound movement. The classic clacky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Red switch from Outemu doesn't have any specific standout features but is known for its simplicity. The Lupine is categorized as 'neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished', while the Red switch isn't categorized. If you're looking for a switch with a unique feel and sound, the Lupine may be the way to go. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Red utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This shared material choice ensures that both switches will produce similar sound qualities when typing, with a focus on the sharpness of the sound and the clarity of each keystroke.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lupine features a nylon construction that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Outemu Red also opts for a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and rounder sound when typing. While both switches differ in their top housing material, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on producing a fuller sound with each keystroke.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Red play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While their top housings differ, both switches offer a balance of sharpness and clarity in their sound due to the polycarbonate material used. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings in both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience, creating a consistent typing feel with a focus on absorbing sound to produce a rounder tone. Whether typing on the Lupine or the Red, users can expect a satisfying sound profile with nuanced differences based on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that they both have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. However, the Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, while the Red has an actuation force of 46 grams. This makes the Red switch lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Lupine. The weight of a switch is crucial as it can impact typing endurance and overall typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Red switch for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the more substantial typing experience offered by the Lupine switch with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lupine has a shorter travel distance compared to the Red. A 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lupine due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press sensation may lean towards the Outemu Red. Both switches offer smooth linear actuation, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of 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 Outemu Red 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, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch offer a pleasant typing experience. The Lupine switch provides a unique two-stage spring design that offers a consistent weight distribution on key press and a powerful upward movement on rebound, enhancing the typing feel. Additionally, it produces a classic clacky sound profile that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Red switch's sound profile and feel qualities are not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare them. However, based on the information provided, if one prefers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, the Lupine may be a better choice. Similarly, if one prefers a mild typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel, the Lupine switch would also be a favorable option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is recommended for newcomers to try them out firsthand to determine which one suits their typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more traditional clacky sound profile and a typing experience with a two-stage long spring that provides a consistent weight distribution, then the Durock Lupine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a more gentle typing experience, then the Outemu Red switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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