Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine, a linear switch, to the Outemu Silver, also a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Lupine is favored for its smooth typing experience, thanks to its two-stage long springs that offer a consistent weight distribution on pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, users can enjoy the classic clacky sound profile that these switches produce. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver does not have any specific standout features but is known for being a reliable linear switch. The Lupine is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished, while the Silver falls in a different category. Both switches have their merits, so choosing between them may depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
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
Both the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silver utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, the overall sound profile may vary based on other factors such as stem material and spring weight.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lupine and Silver use nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon for the bottom housing of these switches contributes to the overall typing experience, impacting the sound and feel of the bottom-out keystrokes. While the bottom housing material remains consistent between the Lupine and Silver, differences in other components may still lead to distinct typing experiences.
Overall, the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Silver both offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches share the same housing materials for the top and bottom, other factors such as stem design, spring weight, and overall build quality can still influence the final result. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and Silver will come down to personal preference and the desired sound and feel for your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that there are some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, while the Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Silver switch lighter in this aspect. On the other hand, the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is lighter than the Silver's 65 grams. This indicates that the Lupine is lighter to type on as it requires less force to bottom out, while the Silver offers a slightly heavier typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of resistance when fully pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lupine offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silver, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. In contrast, the Silver switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Lupine being on the shorter end and the Silver being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 offers a classic clacky sound profile, which can be considered neutral or high-pitched depending on personal preference. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. When it comes to feel, the Lupine switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a consistent weight distribution and powerful upward movement during rebound. This results in a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Silver switch is also unknown, making it hard to determine how it compares to the Lupine in this aspect. Overall, if sound and feel are important factors for you, the Durock Lupine linear switch may be the more reliable choice as it offers a pleasant typing experience with versatile sound options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the bottom out force as a key factor. If you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force, the Lupine with its 62-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a more unique typing experience with two-stage long springs and a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, the Silver with its 65-gram bottom out force may be more to your liking. Since the details on the sound and feel of the Silver switch are not available, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns better with your preferences.
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