Durock Lupine vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the KTT Peach are two popular options to consider. The Lupine is a linear switch that stands out for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a satisfying typing experience with a consistent weight distribution on the way down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. In terms of sound, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Peach is also a linear switch and is praised for its syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile. While both switches offer their own set of desirable characteristics, like a neutral feel and mild actuation, the Lupine has a slightly higher pitch to its sound while the Peach has a lower pitch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the KTT Peach both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing on the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch design. Therefore, both the Lupine and the Peach will provide a clear and resonant sound with vibrant lighting effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches differ, with the Lupine utilizing a nylon material and the Peach also employing nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. Therefore, both the Lupine and the Peach will provide a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, although the exact sound characteristics may vary slightly.
It is important to note that the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch impacts the overall sound profile and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Lupine and the Peach may share certain similarities in their housing materials, the specific combination of top and bottom housings will contribute to their unique typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Lupine switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to compare directly to the Peach switch's actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lupine switch requiring 62 grams and the Peach switch requiring 53 grams.
In terms of weight, the Lupine switch is heavier due to its higher bottom out force. This heavier force may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Peach switch makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight can be beneficial for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue.
While the specific actuation force of the Lupine switch is unavailable, it is likely to have a similar result to the Peach switch's 45 grams. Both switches fall into the category of medium or medium-light actuation force, providing a balance between responsiveness and ease of triggering keystrokes.
In summary, the Durock Lupine linear switch is heavier with its unknown actuation force and 62-gram bottom out force, providing a solid and substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch is lighter with its 45-gram actuation force and 53-gram bottom out force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. The similarities in actuation force suggest that both switches will yield similar results in terms of responsiveness.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. The Lupine offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Peach provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be favored by individuals who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound. It produces a classic clacky sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a suitable sound for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel indicates a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. Additionally, the Lupine switch has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch is also described as mild, offering a similarly approachable and gentle typing experience.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, we can expect a few distinctions. In terms of sound, the Lupine has a neutral sound profile with a classic clacky sound, while the Peach has a low-pitched sound profile with a deep, thocky tone. Both switches fall within the moderate actuation force range, making them versatile and suitable for various uses. When it comes to feel, the Lupine switch offers a more polished and refined experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to its materials and potential factory lubing. The Peach switch, although not explicitly mentioned, can be presumed to provide a similar mild and approachable feel. Overall, both switches are highly regarded linear options that provide different sound profiles and share similar mild and versatile typing experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and enjoy a two-stage spring design for a unique typing experience, the Durock Lupine switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. They also provide a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams and value a smooth typing experience with a deep thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach switch is the way to go. These switches are known for their syrupy smooth feel and produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, making them suitable for most users. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Lupine and KTT Peach switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force and typing sound.