Durock Lupine vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

Introducing the Durock Lupine and Durock Sea Glass switches, two fantastic options in the world of mechanical keyboards. The Lupine is renowned for its delightful typing experience, thanks to its two-stage long springs that offer a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful rebound. Additionally, these linear switches emit a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors, making it a favorite among Durock enthusiasts. These switches offer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while typing, all without compromising on smoothness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess an unexpected weightlessness that defies expectations. Typing on the Sea Glass switches also reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches have their unique qualities that set them apart, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Lupine Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Lupine and the Durock Sea Glass differ in terms of their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Sea Glass's blend provides a more pleasant and slightly brighter sound.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Lupine utilizes a nylon material, known for its classic switch housing properties. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Sea Glass incorporates the same blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE material in its bottom housing. This unique blend contributes to the pleasant sound profile found in the Sea Glass. Although the specific sound characteristics of the blend are not described in detail, it can be inferred that the Sea Glass's bottom housing would also offer a different sound experience compared to the Lupine's nylon bottom housing.

While the housing materials of both the Lupine and the Sea Glass have their distinct qualities, it's important to note that the performance of the top and bottom housing materials will be split between the two. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities will be evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. However, when releasing a key, the sound will primarily be influenced by the top housing. Therefore, even though the specific materials differ, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience with their respective housing materials, albeit with different nuances in sound.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Lupine's actuation force is unavailable, which means we do not have specific measurement for it, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches, however, share a common bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range.

The weight of a switch can play a significant role in the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Lupine may be a suitable option as it allows for effortless keystrokes. This lightweight characteristic is beneficial for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Sea Glass switch with its higher actuation force of 45 grams. This greater push feel provides a satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience.

While the specific actuation force for the Lupine switch remains unknown, we can assume that it may be lighter than the Sea Glass due to its unavailable measurement. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, meaning that regardless of the actuation force, the final result in terms of force required to completely press the key will be similar. It ultimately boils down to personal preference – whether one prefers a lighter actuation force or a more substantial push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lupine is slightly shorter than the Sea Glass.

If you are someone who values a faster response time, the Lupine with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker reactions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key, the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance would be more suitable for you. It is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for each individual. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique characteristics and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on one's preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Lupine and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer distinct profiles. The Lupine switch provides a classic clacky sound that is considered neutral and moderate in pitch. This makes it suitable for most purposes, regardless of skill level or environment. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature. While specific descriptors for its sound qualities are unknown, the proprietary material blend of the Sea Glass switches results in a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, which may contribute to its sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Regarding feel, the Lupine switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Lupine switch contributes to a smooth and refined feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless and feathery typing experience. The frictionless nature of these switches minimizes resistance or friction during key presses, providing a fluid and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the feathery characteristic indicates that the Sea Glass switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Durock Lupine and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch provides a classic clacky sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature and a frictionless, feathery typing experience. Both switches have their own merits and may appeal to different users depending on their preferences and typing needs. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal preferences when choosing between these switches. Overall, while the Lupine and Sea Glass switches have different profiles, understanding their qualities can help users make an informed decision to achieve their desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Durock Lupine and Durock Sea Glass are both great options. The Lupine offers a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, resulting in a classic clacky sound profile. It is a neutral switch, suitable for most intents and purposes, and offers a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a frictionless and effortless typing experience. They also have a uniquely hollow sound signature. The Sea Glass switches are known for their dryness, wispiness, and airiness, but their smoothness remains uncompromised. Overall, the choice between the Lupine and Sea Glass switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Lupine Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more