Durock Lupine vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Lupine and Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when typing and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. This switch produces a classic clacky sound profile, appealing to many users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch that offers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Lupine is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', the Salt Ice lacks specific categorization. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housing material, with the Lupine featuring a nylon bottom housing, while the Salt Ice opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than stiffer plastics like polycarbonate.
The choice of housing materials for the Lupine and the Salt Ice not only impacts the sound profile but also affects the overall feel of typing on these switches. The softer nylon bottom housing in the Lupine creates a duller and rounder sound, offering a different typing experience compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Salt Ice. This distinction in sound can be felt when pressing down on the switch, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the stiff polycarbonate in both switches contributing to a more pronounced and defined sound.
While both the Lupine and the Salt Ice share similarities in utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound and typing experience. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how these housing materials impact sound and feel can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing between these switches based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it becomes apparent that they offer different experiences. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In contrast, the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison. While the actuation force of the Lupine is not specified, it can be assumed that it may be similar to the Salt Ice given the comparable bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Salt Ice for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Lupine with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time provided by the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice switch, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Lupine switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. The classic clacky sound produced by the Lupine adds a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch boasts a high-pitched sound when pressed, creating a sharp and crisp sound experience that stands out in a typing session. The bright and clacky characteristics of the Salt Ice switches are sure to add a lively touch to any user's typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a gentle and refined feel, thanks to its two-stage long springs. The consistent weight distribution when pressing down and the powerful upward movement on the rebound contribute to a comfortable and smooth typing experience for users. On the other hand, the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not specified in the provided information, so it is recommended to test the switches in person to determine the tactile feel and responsiveness for individual preferences.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Lupine excels in providing a neutral sound and a mild, polished typing experience, the Salt Ice stands out with its bright, clacky sound profile and energetic, responsive typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Testing out both switches in person is recommended to determine which one aligns best with individual preferences for typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. The Lupine offers a neutral to high-pitched sound profile and a mild to polished typing experience, while information on the sound and feel of the Salt Ice switch is not provided. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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