Durock Lupine vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Lupine and HMX Poro are two appealing options, particularly for those who appreciate linear switches. The Durock Lupine stands out with its unique two-stage springs that offer a satisfying typing experience, featuring a consistent weight distribution during keystrokes and a pronounced rebound effect that adds a dynamic element to typing. Its sound profile delivers a classic, clacky tone, appealing to users who enjoy a more resonant auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches excel with their silky smooth keystrokes, achieved through meticulous lubrication, ensuring an effortless glide across the keys. The ultra-light actuation force makes them exceptionally responsive, while their poppy and clacky sound adds a playful dimension to the typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Lupine offers a more robust tactile feedback, while the Poro prioritizes smoothness and lightness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and HMX Poro series utilize different top housing materials, which directly influences the auditory experience they each provide. The Lupine employs polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a more resonant sound, ideal for users who appreciate clear auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when utilizing RGB lighting, making it a favorite among gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics as well as performance in their switches.
In contrast, the HMX Poro's top housing is made from nylon, a classic switch material that boasts softer characteristics. The nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience. While this might appeal to users who prefer a muted sound during typing, it diverges fundamentally from the sharper clarity offered by the Lupine's polycarbonate housing. Thus, while both switches may deliver satisfying auditory feedback, their sound profiles cater to different preferences, impacting the overall typing experience.
Interestingly, both the Durock Lupine and HMX Poro utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As a result, both model switches will produce deeper and fuller sound profiles due to the nylon's inherent softer properties. This shared housing material offers a consistent acoustic foundation that dampens sound, creating a more pleasant bottom-out experience when a key is pressed down. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials used in their top housings, both the Lupine and Poro can achieve comparable outcomes in terms of sound absorption and overall typing satisfaction by harmonizing their bottom housing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences. The Lupine's actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force is 62 grams, which categorizes it as a medium-feeling switch. In contrast, the Poro boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of only 50 grams. This means that while the Poro requires less force to register a keystroke, it also provides a softer landing when fully pressed. Users seeking prolonged typing sessions may prefer the Poro due to its lighter forces, which can help reduce finger fatigue. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Lupine, given its firmer bottom out feel. Overall, the Poro is the lighter switch, while the Lupine is on the heavier side, making the choice hinge on personal preference for actuation feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, indicating that they provide the same amount of travel when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and key feel when using either switch, as both switches share the same mechanics of movement from the top to the bottom. Consequently, if you're considering these switches for a keyboard build, the uniform travel distance will result in comparable performance and responsiveness, making either choice suitable for those who prefer a consistent linear feel.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Lupine and HMX Poro linear switches, both exhibit a clacky quality that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy an audible response while typing. The Lupine switches have a classic clacky sound, characterized by a neutral to high-pitched tone that strikes a balance between clarity and richness. This makes them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office, with a sound that is not too obtrusive yet still satisfying. On the other hand, the Poro switches also produce a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, benefiting from their ultra-light actuation force, which may contribute to a more pronounced auditory feedback. Overall, while both switch types are clacky, the specific characteristics of their sound may vary based on customization choices such as keycap materials and the keyboard build itself.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switches offer a delightful typing experience, thanks to their two-stage long springs that provide consistent weight distribution during key presses. This design ensures a powerful upward movement on rebound, resulting in a typing experience that feels both mild and polished. The careful engineering behind these switches yields a refined touch, minimizing friction and maximizing smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Poro switches is defined by their silky smooth keystrokes, attributed to meticulous lubrication, which affords a seamless glide. While specific descriptors for the Poro switches' feel are not provided, their focus on a fluid typing experience suggests that they offer a compelling option for users seeking a similarly pleasant tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and HMX Poro linear switches provide exceptional sound and feel that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Lupine excels with its classic clacky sound and consistent, polished tactile feedback, while the Poro offers an effortless glide with a similarly satisfying auditory response. Although slight variations exist between the two, typists can expect enjoyable performance from either switch, making them both strong candidates for anyone looking to enhance their typing experience. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, these switches will deliver satisfying results tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Lupine and the HMX Poro linear switches, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force with a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine is a great choice. Its unique two-stage long spring design provides a balanced typing experience, delivering both a gentle press and a lively rebound. This switch is well-suited for a variety of environments, making it ideal for those who might use their keyboard for both work and leisure. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a silky smooth keystroke and effortless actuation, the HMX Poro would be more aligned with your needs. The Poro's ultra-light actuation and meticulously lubricated mechanics offer a delightful and responsive feel, perfect for rapid typing and gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your preference for sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you seek—whether that's the moderate and balanced feel of the Lupine or the effortless smoothness of the Poro.
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