Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary greatly based on typing experience and sound characteristics. The Durock Lupine linear switches stand out for their unique two-stage long springs, providing a delightful typing experience with a consistent weight distribution during keystrokes and a lively rebound that keeps your fingers engaged. This switch also produces a classic clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switches lack distinctive sound traits, they excel in delivering a smooth and quiet typing experience—ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches offer their own array of benefits, catering to different user needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
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
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
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Green demonstrate a clear difference in their bottom housing materials while sharing a commonality in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of this material allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, especially when RGB lighting is implemented. This characteristic is essential for typists who appreciate a certain brightness in their keystrokes, allowing for an overall engaging experience. Both switches, therefore, can deliver similar auditory experiences at the top end due to their identical polycarbonate construction.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials are where the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent Green diverge significantly. The Lupine employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that complements the sharper notes of the polycarbonate top. Nylon's softer qualities enable it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounded auditory sensation that contrasts well with the top's clarity. In contrast, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate bottom housing that continues the top's crisp sound signature throughout the keystroke. This means that the Silent Green will maintain a more consistent, high-pitched sound across both the top and bottom, which may appeal to users who prefer uniformity in their typing acoustics.
Ultimately, the different bottom housing materials in the Lupine and Silent Green create distinct typing experiences despite their complementary top housings. Those who opt for the Lupine will enjoy the combination of a detailed top sound with the rich, resonant body's contributions, making for a nuanced typing experience. Meanwhile, users of the Silent Green will benefit from a more cohesive and high-pitched sound throughout both the actuation and bottoming out phases. Each switch, therefore, caters to differing preferences in sound profiles, allowing users to choose according to their auditory desires, whether they crave the rounded warmth of nylon or the consistent brightness of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences in typing feel and response. The Durock Lupine has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green offers a 45-gram actuation force and a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams, also classified as medium. This positions the Silent Green as the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming, while the Lupine's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who favor a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. With the lack of concrete actuation force data for the Lupine, typists seeking adaptability may find the Silent Green more appealing for its defined actuation resistance, despite both switches being suitable for users who appreciate medium performance in their switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we find that they have different measurements. The Durock Lupine features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lupine the shorter switch, providing a more responsive feel that may cater to gamers who prioritize quick key presses. In contrast, the Silent Green, with its longer travel distance, offers a deeper actuation that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you seek faster response times, the Durock Lupine is the better choice, while the Outemu Silent Green would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial press.
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 Silent Green 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 produces a characteristic clacky profile that can be both neutral and high-pitched. This tonal range allows for versatility, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. The combination of a moderate actuation force with a more vibrant sound profile means that the Lupine can cater to both beginners and seasoned typists who appreciate a bit more auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks specified sound qualities, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat unknown. However, players seeking a more muted experience might gravitate toward switches categorized with such characteristics.
Regarding feel, the Lupine switch is designed for a mild and polished typing experience. This means that, when pressed, the switches provide a gentle and approachable touch that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users. Their polished finish further enhances this sensation, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal friction. Unfortunately, the Silent Green's specific feel is not described, which makes it challenging to compare directly against the Lupine. Typists may want to consider other factors influencing feel, such as their individual typing style and preferences.
In summary, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, complete with a classic clacky sound and a smooth, mildly responsive feel. With its two-stage long springs contributing to the satisfying rebound, it provides a compelling option for those looking for a blend of performance and comfort. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Green switch leaves some characteristics unknown, particularly regarding sound and feel. For those who find value in a more subdued switch experience, exploring the Silent Green might yield similar benefits in quieter settings. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to individual preference, particularly in sound and feel, as both aspects shape the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch should hinge on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a robust typing experience characterized by consistent weight distribution and an engaging sound, the Lupine is undoubtedly the better pick. Its two-stage long springs provide an enjoyable tactile feel, combined with a classic clacky sound that adds personality to your typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, if you're looking for a more subdued experience with less auditory feedback, you might lean towards the Silent Green. It offers a slightly lower bottom-out force, making it a great choice for quieter environments or when you want to avoid disturbing those around you. Ultimately, if you value smooth, polished keystrokes that remain engaging without being overly loud, the Lupine will serve you well. If silence is your main concern and you prefer a more neutral typing experience without any distracting sounds, the Silent Green could be the ideal option.
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