Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Lupine, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent White, another linear switch. The lupine is praised for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when typing and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, users can enjoy a classic clacky sound profile when using these switches. On the other hand, the White switch doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned but is known for its silent operation. The Lupine switch is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished, while the White switch lacks any specific categorization. Knowing these general characteristics can guide you in choosing the right switch for your typing preferences; 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches planning to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In terms of sound and feel when typing on these switches, users can expect a similar experience with the polycarbonate top housing contributing to the overall sound profile.
However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The Silent White also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile due to the material's absorbing properties. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall feel and sound of the switches when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silent White may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of each switch brings its unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Whether one prefers a crisper sound with a stiffer plastic or a deeper sound with a softer plastic, both switches offer a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both have medium bottom out forces, with the Lupine being slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Silent White at 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Lupine is unknown, while the Silent White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent White due to its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different options for those seeking either a lighter or heavier key press, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent White. The difference may not be significant, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press might find the Lupine more to their liking. On the other hand, the Silent White offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding the feel and depth of the key 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 White 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch is known for its classic clacky sound profile, which can be described as neutral or high-pitched depending on personal preferences and setup. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a consistent weight distribution during key presses with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, providing a unique typing experience that can be described as mild and polished. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is not specified, making it challenging to compare the tactile experience between the two switches. Like sound, the feel of a switch is influenced by factors such as lubing and material quality.
Overall, while the sound and feel qualities of the Durock Lupine linear switch have been described in detail, the Outemu Silent White linear switch lacks specific information in these areas. As a result, it can be challenging to directly compare the subjective qualities of these two switches. However, based on the information provided for the Lupine, users can expect a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a classic clacky sound profile and smooth key travel. For those seeking a quieter option, the Silent White may offer a different typing feel that caters to their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as other factors such as typing style and intended use.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Lupine if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams and enjoy a two-stage long spring design that provides a unique typing experience with a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, go for the Silent White if you prefer a lower bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a quieter typing experience with no distinct sound profile mentioned. Ultimately, your decision may also be influenced by the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch. The Lupine offers a neutral or high-pitched sound profile and a mild or polished feel, while the Silent White lacks specific sound and feel descriptions. Consider your personal preferences and typing environment to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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