Durock Lupine vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Durock Lupine stands out with its innovative two-stage long springs, providing a fluid typing experience characterized by consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound, all while delivering a classic clacky sound that appeals to many users. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches offer a softer and glittery nylon housing that contributes to a uniquely satisfying feel, along with a shorter travel distance, which makes for a more condensed typing experience. While the Lupine is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a robust, engaging sound and tactile feedback, the Perky is ideal for those seeking comfort and a nuanced feel without compromising on performance. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the HMX Perky, notable distinctions arise primarily in the composition of their top housings. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and translucence, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for effective RGB lighting effects due to its transparency. In contrast, the HMX Perky employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that produces a duller and fuller sound. This difference in material properties significantly alters the auditory experience, particularly when typing. While the Lupine's polycarbonate creates an articulate and bright response, the Perky's nylon top yields a sound that feels more rounded and subdued.
Interestingly, both the Durock Lupine and HMX Perky utilize nylon for their bottom housings, establishing a common ground in terms of acoustic dimensions. This shared material inherently affects the overall typing experience by absorbing vibrations and producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon dampens sound, ensuring that the bottom-out response is characterized by a softer impact. Consequently, while the top housings of each switch contrast in their sound characteristics—sharper versus rounder—the bottom housings align closely in their sound-absorbing qualities, which leads to a rich acoustic experience regardless of the top variety.
In light of these differences and similarities, one can expect varied yet complementary results when using the Durock Lupine and HMX Perky switches. The distinct sound profiles created by their top housing materials contribute to unique auditory experiences when typing, with the Lupine favoring a brighter tone and the Perky a more muted presence. However, thanks to the nylon bottom housings in both switches, there is an underlying consistency in their ability to absorb sound, ensuring that the overall feel remains deep and resonant. Thus, while users may enjoy different top-end sounds, the foundation provided by the nylon in both designs ensures that a similar level of depth and fullness is achieved in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Lupine features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium in terms of resistance. In contrast, the Perky has a much lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which positions it within a light resistance range. As a result, the Perky switch is the lighter option, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Lupine's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch should gravitate towards the HMX Perky, while those preferring more resistance might consider the Lupine, despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Lupine requires more distance to be fully pressed down compared to the Perky. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Perky may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key activation. However, some users who prefer a more substantial feel with deeper key presses might favor the Lupine, as its longer travel distance provides that heartier experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for response time versus depth in keystrokes.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 produces a classic clacky sound profile characterized by a neutral and high-pitched tone. This makes them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, providing a moderate sound that is pleasant without being overly intrusive. The sharper, crisper sound is ideal for those who prefer a more defined auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the HMX Perky linear switch are currently unknown, which leaves a gap in direct comparison. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual preferences will still play a significant role.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Lupine offers a gentle and polished typing experience. The mild nature of the switch allows for a more approachable feel, contributing to consistent weight distribution and smooth key travel thanks to its two-stage long springs. The polished texture adds an extra layer of refinement, reducing friction while typing. Meanwhile, specifics regarding the feel of the Perky switch are not yet provided. However, the mention of its softer, glittery nylon housing suggests it may provide a unique tactile sensation that isn't widely documented, leading to an intriguing typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch distinguishes itself with its crisp, clacky sound and refined feel, making it a versatile choice for both casual and more dedicated typists. While the HMX Perky switch seems promising due to its unique housing and potentially different travel dynamics, much about its sound and tactile response remains to be discovered. For users seeking a balanced and predictable typing experience, the Lupine may be the safer bet, while those interested in exploring the unknown could find the Perky switch worth a try. Ultimately, both switches could offer satisfying results, with the Lupine providing a clearer understanding of its sound and feel characteristics at this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider your typing preferences and ergonomic needs. If you favor a balanced but slightly heavier feel, the Lupine might be the better choice, especially if you enjoy the classic clacky sound profile and the unique two-stage spring action that provides a pleasant tactile feedback during both the downstroke and rebound. This switch’s moderate 62 grams of actuation force makes it well-suited for typists who appreciate a more engaging typing experience without being too taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a condensed typing experience, the Perky switch, with its 50 grams of actuation force, offers a quick and enjoyable key press that can help improve typing speed and reduce fatigue during extended use. Its softer nylon housing contributes to a quieter operation, making it ideal for environments where noise levels matter. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a more pronounced, dynamic feel or a smooth, subtle touch that allows for effortless, fluid keystrokes.
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