Durock Lupine vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Lupine is highly regarded for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a delightful typing experience. It offers a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful upward movement upon rebound. In terms of sound, users can expect a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is particularly favored for its silenced version, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments. This switch offers a comfortable, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While these general distinctions can help guide your decision, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different materials used for their top housings. The Lupine's top housing is made of polycarbonate, while the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. While both materials contribute to a high-pitched sound profile, the Lupine's polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the INK blend produces a pointed yet not overly sharp sound. Both top housings are beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the Lupine's polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, while the INK blend offers a satisfying clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Lupine uses nylon while the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Lupine. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both bottom housings enhance the typing experience with their different sound characteristics, allowing users to find their preferred sound.
When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the combination of top and bottom housings in a switch plays a significant role. Despite their differences, both the Lupine and the Silent Ink Black share similarities in terms of sound profile. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing complement each other, creating a balance between a sharper and crisper sound and a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's blend top housing and bottom housing contribute to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality, with slight variations depending on their personal preference for sharper or clacky sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Lupine's value is currently unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Lupine measures at a medium 62 grams, whereas the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight is essential for individuals who value prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Those who prefer a lighter feel will benefit from the Lupine switch as it allows for comfortable typing or gaming over extended durations. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black switch, with its slightly heavier forces, would be a suitable choice.
Although specific values for the Lupine's actuation force are unavailable, it can be inferred that it is in a similar range to the Silent Ink Black's 60-gram requirement. Similarly, both switches fall into the medium category for bottom out force, with the Silent Ink Black leaning more towards the medium-heavy side.
Overall, if one favors a lighter switch for extended keyboard usage, the Lupine switch would be suitable. Conversely, if a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier force is desired, the Silent Ink Black switch would be a suitable option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lupine being slightly shorter and the Silent Ink Black being slightly longer. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Lupine's shorter travel distance may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In this case, the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a more responsive or a deeper typing 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 provides a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when you press the key, you will hear a moderate yet satisfying sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed to minimize noise. It is described as a muted switch, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. If you prefer a sharper and crisp sound, the Lupine is a better option. However, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go.
As for feel, the Lupine offers a consistent weight distribution with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This is due to its two-stage long springs. The typing experience is mild and approachable for most users, falling into a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Lupine is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek typing. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubrication. With the Lupine, you can expect reduced friction and a smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel. It offers a gentle typing experience with minimal audio feedback. Described as silky, these switches are exceptionally smooth. They enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Just like the Lupine, the Silent Ink Black is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a clacky sound profile and a consistent weight distribution with a powerful rebound, the Durock Lupine is a reliable choice. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience and a cushion-like bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the way to go. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Lupine with its 62 grams is a good choice, while the Silent Ink Black offers a slightly heavier medium-heavy bottom out force at 70 grams. The Lupine is known for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful rebound. This switch produces a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it ideal for quieter typing environments. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. In terms of sound, the Lupine falls into the neutral or high-pitched category, while the Silent Ink Black is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound. In terms of feel, the Lupine provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black offers a silky and polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your environment and personal typing preferences to make the right choice between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
