Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine linear switches and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switches are two popular options to consider. The Durock Lupine is praised for its smooth and consistent typing experience, thanks to its two-stage long springs that provide a stable weight distribution while typing and a satisfying upward movement on rebound. Additionally, the classic clacky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer a distinct clicky feel without the need for any external components. Although it lacks specific defining features, some users prefer the simplicity and reliability of clicky switches. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Spring Breeze, one significant difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more noise. This contrast in sound profiles suggests that the Lupine may offer a more distinct and clear typing experience, while the Spring Breeze provides a softer and more muted sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Lupine and Spring Breeze use nylon for this component. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Despite having the same material for the bottom housing, the overall typing experience may differ between the Lupine and Spring Breeze due to the distinct top housing materials used in each switch. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom components highlights how the construction of a switch can impact the overall typing feel and sound.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Durock Lupine and Outemu Spring Breeze plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Lupine's top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help keyboard enthusiasts choose switches that align with their preferred typing experience, whether they prioritize clarity and sharpness or depth and fullness in sound.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see that there are some notable differences. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial press compared to the Spring Breeze with 40 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Lupine requires 62 grams, heavier than the Spring Breeze's 55 grams. This means that while the Lupine may require a lighter initial push, it takes more force to fully press the key compared to the Spring Breeze. In terms of weight, the Spring Breeze is lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Lupine provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Spring Breeze has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lupine. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lupine being slightly shorter and the Spring Breeze being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lupine, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Spring Breeze 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 stands out for its distinct sound profile characterized by a clacky sound, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remains unknown. When it comes to feel, the Lupine offers a typing experience that is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Spring Breeze switch is unspecified. It is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user, and factors such as keycaps and keyboard build can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, while the Lupine linear switch boasts a unique sound and smooth feel, the lack of information on the Spring Breeze switch makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison. As such, experimenting with both switches to determine personal preference would be the best course of action for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy the satisfying clicky sound with each press, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch might be the better option for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of both feel and sound.
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