Durock Lupine vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Durock Lupine, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch. The Lupine stands out for its smooth typing experience with two-stage long springs, offering consistent weight distribution on the press down and a powerful upward movement on rebound. This results in a classic clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a snappy response and buttery downstroke. The tactility is pronounced yet not overwhelming, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound signature. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences in typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
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 lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
While the top housing of both the Durock Lupine and Sarokeys Purple Sakura is made of polycarbonate, the differences lie in their respective bottom housings. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers similar characteristics. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, allowing for a crisper sound profile.
Overall, both switches benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, creating sharper and higher-pitched sounds. The use of nylon in the bottom housings provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, although the differences between the Lupine and Purple Sakura are minimal in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing, as both offer similar advantages with slight variations in sound characteristics.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier initial push feel. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lupine requiring 62 grams and the Purple Sakura needing 60 grams to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Lupine may be the better choice, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Lupine has a longer travel distance at 3.7 mm compared to the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm. The Lupine offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feeling. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both options cater to different preferences, with the Lupine offering a longer travel distance for those seeking a more resounding press, while the Purple Sakura provides a shorter distance for quicker responses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound profile with a high-pitched tone, making it suitable for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a mild and neutral sound signature, providing a more subtle typing experience. In terms of feel, the Lupine switch offers a polished and mild typing experience, with a consistent weight distribution and powerful rebound. The Purple Sakura switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and snappy tactile feedback, striking a delicate balance between responsiveness and smoothness. Overall, while the Lupine offers a more energetic typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Purple Sakura provides a smoother and more effortless typing sensation with a mild and neutral sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their personal typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a two-stage long spring for consistent weight distribution and a clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a snappy response, a buttery downstroke, and a mild and neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the Lupine offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, while the Purple Sakura provides a buttery and snappy feel. Consider these factors when making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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