Durock Lupine vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sakura Pink. Both of these switches fall into the linear switch category, offering a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. The Lupine switches are known for their unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. They also produce a classic clacky sound profile, adding a nostalgic touch to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are incredibly light with a feather-light 35g actuation force, making them perfect for delicate typists. They offer a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, which adds a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision when choosing your switch preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sakura Pink use polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from polycarbonate's translucency, making them ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. So, in terms of sound and appearance, the Lupine and Sakura Pink will provide similar results.
However, the difference lies in the bottom housings of these switches. The Lupine features a nylon bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housings allows each switch to have its own unique sound characteristics when bottoming out.
When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. As such, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing will provide a different typing experience compared to the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, the top housing material of both switches will have a greater impact on the sound profile when letting go of a key.
In summary, while the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sakura Pink have similar polycarbonate top housings resulting in comparable sound profiles, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Therefore, each switch provides its own unique typing experience depending on the combination of top and bottom housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The Lupine switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Sakura Pink switch has an actuation force of 35 grams, making it lighter, and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is also lighter.
Considering the importance of weight in switch selection, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Sakura Pink switch. This can be advantageous for those who use their keyboard extensively, either for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel may opt for the Lupine switch, as it offers a heavier bottom out force.
It is worth noting that since the actuation force for the Lupine switch is unspecified, it is difficult to directly compare it to the Sakura Pink switch in terms of actuation force. However, individuals seeking a similar actuation force to the Sakura Pink switch, which is lighter, may find that the Lupine switch provides a comparable experience if its actuation force is also on the lighter side. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for weight and typing experience, with the Lupine switch potentially offering a heavier option while the Sakura Pink switch caters to those preferring a lighter feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are slightly different. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lupine falls into the category of shorter travel distances, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference. Those who value greater responsiveness may opt for the Lupine, while individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Sakura Pink. Both switches offer unique experiences, and regardless of the choice, users can expect satisfying results in terms of 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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 switch has a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound, offering a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch produces a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. This adds a playful touch to your typing experience. If you prefer a more neutral sound, the Lupine would be a better choice. If you enjoy a more muted sound, the Sakura Pink would be the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing sensation that most people will find approachable. Additionally, it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery and creamy. It provides a seamless and effortless typing experience with a silky sensation. The switch is easy to press with minimal resistance, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. It is also frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel.
Taking into consideration all the available information, the Durock Lupine and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Lupine provides a consistent weight distribution on the press and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, with a classic clacky sound profile. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink boasts a feather-light actuation force, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. It produces a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. The switch is easy to press and frictionless, offering a seamless and comfortable typing feel. While the Lupine may be more neutral in sound and the Sakura Pink more muted, both switches provide their own unique characteristics. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement during rebound, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. The Lupine is best suited for those who prefer a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a softer, quieter sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the perfect choice. With a feather-light 35g actuation force, these switches are ideal for delicate typists. They offer a gliding type feel and operate with minimal friction, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions.
Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the Lupine if you want a medium force and a classic clacky sound with a mild, polished feel. Opt for the Sakura Pink if you prefer a lighter force, a softer, quieter sound, and a buttery, frictionless typing experience. Overall, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering unique qualities to enhance your typing sessions. In the end, the decision rests in your personal preferences and typing style.
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