Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the two mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Lupine is favored for its linear feel, with a unique two-stage long spring system that provides a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on rebound, resulting in a classic clacky sound profile. It is best suited for those who prefer a neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch stands out for its quiet operation and highly tactile feel, ideal for users looking for a satisfying yet silent typing experience. While the Lupine excels in its linear smoothness, the Silent Grey shines in its 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities in top housing material, the Lupine and Silent Grey switches differ in their bottom housing material.
The nylon bottom housing of the Durock Lupine contrasts with the polycarbonate top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. This shared bottom housing material gives both switches a consistent feel when pressed down, resulting in a smoother typing experience overall.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience for both the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent Grey switches. While the polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharp and clear sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound for a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down. This blend of materials creates a balanced and harmonious typing experience, making both switches ideal for users looking for a combination of sharpness and depth in their keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lupine switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Grey switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Lupine requires 62 grams, which is still considered medium, whereas the Silent Grey requires 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, but the Lupine may be preferred for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Silent Grey may be more suitable for those who seek a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lupine has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey. The Lupine's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time, as shorter distances are associated with quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Grey 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
The Durock Lupine linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued sound while typing. When it comes to feel, the Lupine provides a consistent weight distribution with a powerful upward movement on the rebound, offering a unique typing experience. In comparison, the Silent Grey switch features a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, providing a highly tactile and satisfying typing feel.
While the two switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both the Lupine and the Silent Grey switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Lupine linear switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent keypress with a classic clacky sound, the Lupine would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, then the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer different advantages, so ultimately, it boils down to what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose based on whether you prefer a linear or tactile feel, as well as your preference for sound profile.
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