Durock Lupine vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Rice Pudding stand out as intriguing options, each catering to different preferences. The Durock Lupine, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth typing experience paired with a unique two-stage long spring that provides consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound, resulting in a delightful clacky sound profile. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a quiet yet tactile feel during repetitive keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in delivering a balanced typing experience, characterized by their smooth operation and rich, deep sound, making them a top pick for those who value auditory feedback along with precision. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility for gaming and performance enthusiasts. Both switches offer distinct benefits depending on the user's typing style and sound preference; 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
38g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches share remarkable similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, both of which utilize polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which promotes a clearer resonance when keys are pressed. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from this material's translucency, making it an excellent choice for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the vibrant colors can shine through the clear top, creating an attractive visual effect.
However, the bottom housing material diverges slightly in the overall auditory characteristics they offer. Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound compared to their harder counterparts. As a result, while both switches feature a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out, the acoustic interplay between the top and bottom housings remains harmonious. The qualities that each housing material brings create a balanced auditory experience, enhancing the typing performance of both switches.
In summary, while the Durock Lupine and Everglide Rice Pudding switches are crafted from the same materials, the integrated properties of each housing section yield specific sound profiles during both keypress and release. With both featuring polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, users will experience similar auditory outcomes, albeit with subtle nuances in liquid resonance and overall feel depending on the switch build. Overall, this combination ensures that both switches can deliver quality performance favored by enthusiasts, satisfying both visual and auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Lupine switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This indicates that the Rice Pudding switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for long periods of use, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lupine, with its heavier bottom out force, will give users a more substantial typing feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer push. As a result, while those looking for a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Rice Pudding, those seeking a stronger tactile feedback experience may opt for the Lupine switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Durock Lupine boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Lupine the longer switch, providing a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper keypress, while the Rice Pudding offers a shorter distance that may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches are on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, aligning with the current trend where many users prefer shorter travel distances for enhanced rapidity. Thus, if you favor a quicker actuation, the Everglide Rice Pudding would be the preferable choice, whereas the Durock Lupine is better for those who enjoy a more muted and deeper keystroke.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 produce a classic clacky sound profile, characterized by a high-pitched and crisp tone. This auditory experience ensures that each key press is both distinct and pleasant, catering to those who enjoy a more dynamic sound from their keyboard. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are noted for their deep sound, blending smooth operation with an overall satisfying aural experience. The focus on a balanced sound means that while the Rice Pudding may not offer the high-pitched crispness of the Lupine, it compensates with a rich and fuller tone that many users find appealing. However, sound characteristics can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, making both switches capable of delivering engaging auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switches excel with their two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on the downward press accompanied by a more pronounced upward rebound. This design results in a typing experience that is both polished and mild, making them approachable for a wide range of users. The feeling is refined, thanks to a smooth key travel and reduced friction, largely due to the materials used and possibly factory lubing. As for the Rice Pudding switches, their unique hall effect mechanism is still relatively less explored, so subjective feedback specifically related to their tactile experience is currently unknown. However, the combination of smooth operation suggested from their description hints at a refined feel as well, potentially matching or complementing the Lupine's enjoyable typing dynamics.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide an engaging typing experience, but they cater to slightly different auditory preferences and potentially distinct tactile feedback. The Lupine’s clacky, high-pitched sound and polished feel stand out for users who prioritize those aspects, while the Rice Pudding’s deep sound offers a satisfying blend that might appeal to those favoring a more grounded auditory experience. As both switches possess unique strengths, enthusiasts can explore either option depending on their specific preferences in sound and feel, knowing that either can likely provide a rewarding experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams that delivers a satisfying and consistent typing experience, the Lupine is an excellent choice. Its two-stage long spring design ensures a powerful rebound, which can enhance your typing speed and comfort, while the clacky sound profile adds a pleasurable auditory feedback that many users find appealing. This switch is versatile enough for office environments or home use, making it a great option for beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and value smooth operation, the Rice Pudding is the way to go. Its deep sound and satisfying typing experience are perfect for those who want a more specialized switch, and its full compatibility with Wooting’s keyboards adds an element of innovative versatility for gaming and performance enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you seek the medium tactile feedback and classic sound of the Lupine or the lighter, smoother experience offered by the Rice Pudding, so consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your selection.
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