Durock Lupine vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options that often catch the attention of typing enthusiasts are the Durock Lupine and the Bsun Ragdoll, both linear switches favored for their unique characteristics. The Durock Lupine distinguishes itself with its innovative two-stage long springs, providing a delightful typing experience characterized by a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a powerful rebound that enhances the overall tactile feel. Additionally, its classic clacky sound profile, ranging from neutral to high-pitched, adds an auditory pleasure for users who appreciate engaging feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch stands out with its Y3 stem, which ensures smooth key travel while the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to a pleasant clacky sound as well. Each of these switches offers distinct benefits: the Lupine may be ideal for those seeking a balanced typing experience with auditory feedback, while the Ragdoll appeals to users who prioritize a sleek keystroke with a satisfying sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Bsun Ragdoll switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles produced during usage. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which allows for a sharper and crisper sound profile. The clarity provided by polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups, as its transparency accentuates the illumination effects. In contrast, the Ragdoll opts for a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer properties that absorb sound more effectively. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more rounded acoustic experience. Thus, while the Lupine achieves an assertive sound due to the rigid polycarbonate, the Ragdoll endeavors for warmth and richness through the use of nylon, showcasing how material choice can dramatically shape user experience.
Interestingly, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housing materials, as both the Lupine and Ragdoll utilize nylon construction. This shared component means that when it comes to typing experience, particularly during the bottoming-out phase of the switches, both will produce a similarly deep and full sound profile, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Regardless of the differing top materials, the nylon bottom housing's characteristics create a consistent tactile and auditory experience during key press completions. Therefore, even as the two switches diverge in aspects of their top housing designs, the usage of nylon in the bottom housing serves to create a cohesive sound profile during actuation.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in the Durock Lupine and Bsun Ragdoll switches underscores the complexity of their sound profiles and typing experiences. The differing upper housing materials lead to distinct auditory characteristics—sharp and bright from the polycarbonate versus deep and rounded from the nylon. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a uniform quality during key presses. This dynamic illustrates how various materials can be leveraged to achieve both contrast and harmony within keyboard switches, resulting in varied yet uniquely satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces showcase distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Lupine switch has an unknown actuation force, but it boasts a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Ragdoll features a clear actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. This makes the Ragdoll switch the lighter option overall, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Lupine's heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches, with their respective characteristics, cater to different user preferences, with the Ragdoll offering a softer touch and the Lupine presenting a heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of only 0.1 mm suggests that both switches are quite similar in terms of feel and response, appealing to gamers who prefer the quicker response times associated with shorter distances. However, for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Overall, while the Lupine is the shorter option, the close proximity in travel distances means that users might find them relatively comparable in performance, depending on their personal preferences for switch 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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 switches are known for their classic clacky sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that offers a crisp and sharp auditory experience when typing. Their neutral characteristics make them versatile, suitable for both novice and experienced users alike, whether for home or workplace settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is also associated with a clacky sound, thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, but lacks specific descriptions of its high-pitched qualities. Therefore, while both switches produce a clacky sound, the Lupine's higher pitch may appeal to those seeking a sharper auditory experience, whereas the Ragdoll's clackiness could be similarly enjoyable, depending on individual preferences and the keyboard setup used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switches excel with their mild and polished sensations. The mildness allows for an approachable typing experience, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned typists can appreciate the smooth and balanced key travel. With the implementation of two-stage long springs, these switches provide a consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound, contributing to a pleasurable tactile sensation. Conversely, the Ragdoll switch does not have further details available about its tactile feel, leaving its specific characteristics somewhat ambiguous. Therefore, while the Lupine offers a confirmed refined typing experience, the Ragdoll's tactile feedback remains unspecified.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches both offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lupine stands out with its polished feel and high-pitched clacky sound, making it a solid choice for those who value a refined typing experience. While the Ragdoll also delivers a clacky sound, its tactile qualities remain unknown, which leaves open the possibility for similar typing results depending on individual setup and preferences. Users will likely find enjoyment in both switches, although those who prefer a defined experience might lean toward the well-documented attributes of the Lupine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between Durock Lupine linear switches and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Lupine is an excellent choice. Its two-stage long springs offer a satisfying rebound and a consistent weight distribution that enhances the feel while typing. The neutral and high-pitched sound profiles can cater to both a home and work environment, whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist looking for a smooth and polished experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 52 grams, the Ragdoll switch might be the way to go. It features a smooth travel combined with a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass construction, which can add a unique auditory pleasure to your typing experience. Ultimately, if you desire a more dynamic and tactile feel, the Durock Lupine would be your best bet, while the Bsun Ragdoll will suit you well if you prioritize a lighter feel and sound. Consider your personal typing style and the environments you’ll be using your keyboard in to make the best decision for your setup.
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