Durock Lupine vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two popular choices, both falling under the linear switch category. The Lupine is known for its unique two-stage long springs, which provide a satisfying weight distribution when pressed down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, this switch offers a classic clacky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is celebrated for its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. While the Lupine is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished, the Sea Salt Lemon falls under low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Both switches have their merits, making it a difficult decision to choose between the two. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual effects when using either the Lupine or Sea Salt Lemon switches.
However, the differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Lupine switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Lupine switch may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the Sea Salt Lemon switch due to the variation in bottom housing materials.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down a key, the bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect variation in the typing experience based on the housing materials of the switches, with the Lupine providing a potentially deeper and fuller sound during typing compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Lupine switch has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to determine how much force is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a lighter touch is needed to activate a key.
In terms of bottom out force, the Lupine switch requires 62 grams of force, providing a medium level of resistance for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel.
Considering the weight of a switch, both options have their merits. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Sea Salt Lemon more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for situations like bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience may prefer the Lupine switch or options with heavier forces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. If one is aiming for a similar result, opting for the Sea Salt Lemon with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may provide a comparable feel to the unavailable actuation force of the Lupine switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lupine switch. The Lupine's 3.7 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers who prefer faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both options provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the Lupine offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the Sea Salt Lemon offering a slightly longer one.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. This can be preferable for those who enjoy a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound profile. The sound produced by these switches is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Lupine. This can be a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and the Sea Salt Lemon will depend on personal preference and the other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Lupine and the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that the force required to press down on the keys is moderate, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Lupine switch has a two-stage long spring design that provides a consistent weight distribution while pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This can result in a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. The Sea Salt Lemon switch, on the other hand, features a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which contribute to a buttery smooth typing experience. The switches have a refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine provides a classic clacky sound profile and a two-stage long spring design for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a low-pitched sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine would be a great choice. With its two-stage long springs, you'll experience a consistent weight distribution when typing and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Lupine is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any environment. Additionally, its mild and polished feel ensures a gentle and sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design contribute to a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. The Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Similar to the Lupine, it also has a mild feel, providing a comfortable typing experience for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your specific preferences. Both switches offer different qualities in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider whether you prefer a classic clacky sound or a buttery smooth keystroke and choose accordingly. In the end, you can't go wrong with either switch as they both provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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