Durock Lupine vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and Durock Piano are both excellent choices to consider. The Lupine is known for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement upon rebound. The sound profile of the Lupine is also a classic clacky sound, adding to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out with its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switch is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities and benefits, making it a tough decision to choose between them. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Durock Piano use different materials for their top housings. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced and vibrant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. While the exact details of this blend are unknown, it provides a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The POM blend offers a different type of typing experience, producing a deep and resonant sound that is particularly pleasing to the ear.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Lupine employs a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Lupine contributes to a more mellow and subdued typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing. While specific details regarding this blend are not disclosed, it is designed to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although both switches have different bottom housing materials, they aim to provide a similarly enjoyable and immersive typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the top and bottom housings play different roles depending on the switch. When you press down on a switch, you will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the keypress. The bottom housing material of the Lupine, nylon, contributes to a softer and more cushioned sensation upon bottoming out the keys. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing creates a subtly different but equally satisfying tactile feedback. Conversely, the release sound when letting go of a key is influenced by the top housing. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing provides a distinctive sharp and crisp sound when keys are released, while the POM blend top housing of the Piano offers a deep and satisfying sound profile upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is unknown. However, the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier in comparison, falling into the medium-heavy category.
In terms of weight, the Lupine switch offers a lighter experience, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing feel. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it a suitable choice for those who type for extended periods at work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying. The increased bottom out force can provide a more substantial and pronounced tactile sensation, which can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel during typing.
While the exact actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it can be inferred that they would likely offer similar results due to their comparable bottom out forces. Therefore, if an individual desires a similar typing experience with respect to actuation force, both the Lupine and Piano switches can be considered as viable options. Ultimately, the choice between the two would largely depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Piano switch is slightly longer than the Lupine switch. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Piano switch, you will experience a slightly greater distance of travel compared to the Lupine switch.
Typically, a travel distance of 4.0mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0mm is more shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Lupine switch with its shorter travel distance may be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke. In this case, the Piano switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is best known for its unique two-stage long springs, which provide a delightful typing experience. When pressing down on these switches, users can expect a consistent weight distribution, resulting in a satisfying and balanced feel. On the rebound, the Lupine switches offer a more powerful upward movement, adding to the overall tactile experience. In terms of sound, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile, which many users find enjoyable. With its neutral actuation force requirement and moderate sound profile, the Lupine switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether it be for home or work use.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out with its proprietary material blend, providing users with a pleasant typing experience. When using the Piano switches, users will notice a gliding push feel, creating a smooth and effortless typing experience. The deep and creamy sound signature of the Piano switches further enhances the overall typing experience, offering a rich and bassy sound profile. The Piano switch is ideal for those who prefer a switch with a lower frequency range and a more pronounced bass tone.
It is important to note that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches. However, based on the available information, the Lupine switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Similarly, the Lupine switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. While the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, it is important to consider personal preferences when selecting between the two.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer their own unique qualities. The Lupine switch provides a consistent weight distribution and a clacky sound profile, suitable for a variety of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, creating a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and enjoy the feeling of a two-stage spring mechanism, then the Durock Lupine switch is a great choice for you. Its weight distribution provides a consistent typing experience during the press and a powerful rebound. Additionally, if you prefer a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine switch delivers on that front.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a pleasant typing experience and enjoy a gliding push feel, the Durock Piano switch is the one for you. Its proprietary material blend enhances the smoothness of the switch, resulting in a creamy and refined typing experience. The deep, creamy sound signature of the Piano switch adds a touch of richness during key presses.
In terms of sound, the Lupine switch is described as neutral or high-pitched. If you prefer a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, including home or work use, the Lupine switch is a versatile choice. However, if you want a sharper and crisper sound, opting for the higher-pitched Piano switch is recommended.
When it comes to feel, the Lupine switch offers a mild experience with a polished finish, making it approachable to most typists. Its smooth and refined feel, thanks to materials and potential factory lubing, results in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky feel, minimizing any resistance or friction during key presses and releases, leading to an exceptionally smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch comes down to your preference for the two-stage long spring mechanism, classic clacky sound profile, and a medium bottom out force, or if you prioritize a gliding push feel, deep creamy sound, and a proprietary material blend that enhances smoothness. Consider your desired typing experience, sound preference, and bottom out force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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