Durock Lupine vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, two switches that are worth comparing and contrasting are the Durock Lupine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Lupine is known for its linear switch design, offering a typing experience that is truly enjoyable thanks to its two-stage long springs. Pressing down on the Lupine switch provides a consistent weight distribution, while the upward movement on the rebound feels more powerful. Additionally, users will appreciate the classic clacky sound profile that accompanies the Lupine switch. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch by Jwick stands out for its innovative design. Despite its semi-silent label, it still maintains a clacky bottom-out sound, while the topping-out sound is whisper-quiet. The type feel of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is silky smooth, striking a balance between smoothness and over-polish. Both switches have their advantages, but let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice leads to a similar result in terms of sound profile, as polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. Therefore, both the Lupine and the Semi-Silent Linear offer a visually appealing and acoustically pleasing experience when it comes to their top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Lupine and the Semi-Silent Linear feature nylon as the material of choice. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a distinct sound profile characterized by deeper and fuller notes. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, so users of both the Lupine and the Semi-Silent Linear can expect a similar typing experience in this regard.
Overall, the Durock Lupine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear exhibit similarities in their choice of housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. While the specific nuances and design elements may differ between the two models, users can expect a comparable acoustic performance and a satisfying tactile feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is worth noting that both switches have an actuation force of unavailable grams. This means that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium.
In terms of weight, the Lupine and Semi-Silent Linear switches do not appear to have any significant differences. Therefore, if weight is a factor to consider, both switches should provide a similar typing experience.
However, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. Some individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. For those who prioritize this aspect, both the Lupine and Semi-Silent Linear switches remain on an equal footing, given the unavailability of specific actuation force information.
On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel might lean towards switches with heavier forces. In this case, since the bottom out force for both switches is 62 grams, neither the Lupine nor the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out as being significantly heavier or lighter.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, as the actuation force remains unknown for both switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch both have the same travel distance, measuring at 3.7 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 3.7 mm from top to bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Their equal travel distances indicate that there is no variation in the key press feel between the two switches when it comes to the distance the switch travels during each press.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 offers a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Therefore, the Lupine provides a higher-pitched sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subtle and quieter sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the Lupine and Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience, which means they offer a gentle and approachable feel to most users. They both have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined keystrokes. This indicates reduced friction and smooth key travel, ensuring a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as snappy, meaning it is super responsive and provides a more alive typing experience. Both switches offer a buttery typing sensation, meaning the keystrokes are smooth, fluid, and effortless.
Based on the available information, the Durock Lupine and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switches have different sound profiles but similar overall typing experiences. The Lupine provides a more clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear produces a quieter and more subdued sound. Both switches offer a mild and polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined keystrokes. Therefore, if you prefer a louder and more classic sound, the Lupine is a great choice, while if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent option. However, both switches offer a similar mild and polished feel, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, you have two great options to choose from: the Durock Lupine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Lupine is best known for its two-stage long springs, which provide a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. It also produces a classic clacky sound profile that many enjoy. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is known for its innovative semi-silent feature, producing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, yet not over-polished.
In terms of sound, the Lupine offers a neutral sound profile with a classic clacky sound. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear produces a more subdued sound, dampened and subtle compared to most switches, while still maintaining a neutral sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. However, the Semi-Silent Linear also provides a snappy and buttery typing experience, making it super responsive and offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches feature a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear depends on your preference for sound and typing feel. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound and are looking for a consistent weight distribution and powerful rebound movement, the Lupine is a great option. However, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a silky smooth and snappy typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear would be a better choice for you. Consider your personal preferences and use case to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
