Durock Lupine vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Lupine and the TTC Silent Red. The Lupine is best known for its linear switch design, offering a delightful typing experience with its two-stage long springs. This provides users with a consistent weight distribution during key presses, coupled with a powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine generates a classic clacky sound profile, adding a touch of nostalgia to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Reds from TTC present a different experience altogether. If you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the disruptive noise, then the Silent Reds are the ideal choice. They offer a muted sound profile, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Furthermore, these switches maintain a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, ensuring a satisfying typing sensation. With a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent Reds also prioritize maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Lupine Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the TTC Silent Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar performance and aesthetics from the polycarbonate top housing in both switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Lupine features a nylon material while the Silent Red also utilizes nylon. The use of nylon in switch housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when pressing down on keys.

It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. When users press down on a key, they will primarily feel the impact and experience the sound characteristics of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the Lupine and Silent Red have differing bottom housings, their top housings contribute to a comparable sound experience when it comes to releasing keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Lupine switch is currently unknown, while the Silent Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Lupine switch requires 62 grams of force, which can be considered medium, whereas the Silent Red switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Red switch due to its lower actuation force. This allows for effortless keystrokes and can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push may lean towards the Lupine switch, as its bottom out force is slightly higher than that of the Silent Red.

Despite the unavailability of the specific actuation force for the Lupine switch, it can be assumed that its actuation force is likely to fall within a similar range as the Silent Red, as they both have medium bottom out forces. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom feel could consider either switch, knowing that they will achieve comparable outcomes in their typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it determines the feeling and feedback you get while typing. In the case of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent amount of travel distance. Ultimately, both switches will provide you with similar results in terms of the distance you perceive while typing. With their identical travel distance, you can expect a similar typing experience when using either the Lupine or the Silent Red switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when you press down on the switch, you can expect to hear a sharp and crisp sound. The Lupine switch falls under the category of a neutral switch, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use these switches at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. If you prefer a keyboard switch with minimal noise, particularly for use in an office or shared living space, the Silent Red switch is the perfect choice. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, both the Durock Lupine and TTC Silent Red switches offer similar qualities. Both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Lupine switch also features a two-stage long spring design, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Silent Red switch, on the other hand, offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Overall, the feel of these switches will be approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe and middle-ground zone, offering a comfortable typing experience.

In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and TTC Silent Red linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch provides a classic clacky sound profile and a consistent weight distribution feel, providing a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. If you prefer a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile, the Lupine switch is a great choice. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, particularly for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Red switch is the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer pleasant qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you are someone who enjoys a classic clacky sound profile and prefers a switch with a two-stage long spring that provides a consistent weight distribution and powerful rebound, then the Lupine switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the Silent Red switch is the perfect option. With its muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel, it is ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches have a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. The Lupine's sound profile is described as neutral or high-pitched, while the Silent Red has a muted sound. In terms of feel, the Lupine offers a mild and polished experience, while the Silent Red provides a buttery, mild, and polished typing sensation. Overall, consider your sound and feel preferences to make the right choice between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Lupine Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more