Durock Lupine vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the TTC Silent Brown offer distinct experiences. The Lupine is a linear switch that stands out for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful upward rebound. It also produces a classic clacky sound profile, adding a touch of nostalgia to your keyboarding experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that prioritizes comfort with its light-medium resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is its muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and TTC Silent Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This commonality means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the typing experience for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through effectively. Therefore, whether you choose the Lupine or the Silent Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic compatibility with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Lupine and Silent Brown switches differentiates them. The Lupine switches with their nylon bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This can create a more satisfying typing experience for those looking for a switch with a deeper sound. Similarly, the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile. This demonstrates that both switches share the quality of eliciting a more substantial sound while typing, thanks to the absorption properties of nylon.
When considering the overall impact of the top and bottom housing on a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the two parts. For example, when pressing down on either the Lupine or Silent Brown switch, you will primarily feel the characteristics of the bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and the overall feel of the switch. However, upon releasing a key, the sound produced will be influenced more by the top housing. This distinction emphasizes the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are a few key differences to consider. Firstly, the Lupine has an actuation force that is listed as unavailable, whereas the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Brown requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lupine, as it has a lower actuation force.
In terms of the bottom out force, the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Silent Brown has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Silent Brown requires slightly more force compared to the Lupine.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. In this case, the Silent Brown would be a suitable option due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Lupine's higher bottom out force may be more appealing.
Overall, while the force specifications of the Lupine and Silent Brown differ, they both fall within the medium range for bottom out force. This means that if you prefer a medium feel when pressing down the keys, both switches would provide similar results. However, if actuation force is a crucial factor in your decision-making, the Silent Brown offers a lighter touch compared to the Lupine.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for faster response times in modern keyboards. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances to enhance their gaming experience. If you value quick responsiveness, the Lupine switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and they prefer a deeper, more satisfying keypress. In this case, the TTC Silent Brown with its slightly longer travel distance might be a better option. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial keypress experience.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
The Durock Lupine linear switch is known for its two-stage long springs, which provide a unique typing experience. When pressed down, users will feel a consistent weight distribution, and on the rebound, they will experience a more powerful upward movement. As for sound, the Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The switch is described as having a muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Based on the available information, the Lupine switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for those who prefer higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is also considered polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Brown switch is described as mild and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Lupine switch is known for its two-stage long springs, consistent weight distribution, and more powerful rebound, resulting in a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. Both switches have a mild and polished feel which provides smooth and refined keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the Lupine switch's classic clacky sound and distinct typing experience or the Silent Brown switch's comfortable and quieter typing experience.
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 is an excellent choice. These switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go. These switches offer a comfortable typing experience and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, while minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches offer their unique advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
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