Durock Lupine vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Lupine is celebrated for its innovative two-stage long springs, which provide a consistent weight distribution during typing and a more dynamic rebound effect that enhances the tactile feedback. This switch delivers a classic clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on delivering a serene and discreet typing experience with its whisper-quiet operation, making it ideal for light typists or those in shared workspaces who prefer minimal noise. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, the Silent Sakura allows for effortless typing, attracting users looking for a softer touch. While both switches fall within the linear category, they cater to different user needs—whether you value a satisfying auditory experience or prioritize a tranquil environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, we find a notable contrast between their chosen materials for the top and bottom housings. The Durock Lupine employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for promoting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic contributes to a clearer resonance, particularly beneficial for users who favor enhanced sound clarity and vibrant RGB lighting due to its translucency. In stark contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and enhances the depth and fullness of sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference suggests that Lupine's superior sound clarity and aesthetic appeal, especially with RGB setups, will attract users seeking a more dynamic keypress response, while Sakura’s fuller sound might appeal to users looking for a more muted typing experience.
Moving to the bottom housings, both switches showcase a reversal of material choices, further underscoring their contrasting auditory profiles. The Lupine employs a nylon bottom housing, which aligns with its overall sound absorption qualities, creating a deeper and rounder tone that complements the higher-pitched polycarbonate top. This combination balances sound properties, providing a richer acoustic experience for the user. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing its crisper, resonant sound profile, which can enhance the key's bottom-out experience. Consequently, while the Lupine seeks a delicate balance between clarity at the top and fullness at the bottom, the Sakura focuses on amplifying sharpness throughout the keystroke journey.
Ultimately, despite the differences in material use between the Durock Lupine and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both switches can yield similar results for the user by delivering unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If a user desires a mix of both aesthetics and acoustic clarity, the Lupine achieves this with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, allowing for bright sound features combined with sound damping from the bottom. In contrast, Silent Sakura’s approach, while primarily promoting sharper outputs, still succeeds in offering rounded bottom-out responses thanks to its polycarbonate base. This interplay of materials in both switches demonstrates how varying configurations can satisfy diverse tactile and auditory preferences, offering a personalized typing experience for different users.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable distinction lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine's actuation force is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, indicating a medium weight for users who prefer a stronger keystroke feeling. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a defined actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, classifying it as a lighter option that is more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. This difference suggests that users favoring a softer touch will find the Sakura more appealing, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Lupine. Consequently, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, whereas the Durock Lupine is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences based on typing style and experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm positions the Lupine as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may feel more satisfying for users who prefer a deeper, more pronounced typing experience, as it allows for a more substantial bottom-out feel. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on individual preferences for response time versus typing depth.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
The sound characteristics of the Durock Lupine linear switch are quite vibrant, offering a classic clacky profile that appeals to many typists. The sound is described as high-pitched and neutral, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback while typing. This makes the Lupine suitable for both home and work environments, where a moderate sound profile can be appreciated without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a much quieter experience, aiming for a whisper-soft sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. While the exact details of the sound profile for the Sakura are not specified, its design suggests that it will avoid the clacky tone of the Lupine altogether, creating an ideal setting for more subdued typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Lupine switches stand out with their unique two-stage long spring mechanism that offers a consistent weight distribution during a keystroke. The gentle engagement paired with the more powerful upward rebound creates a refined typing experience that is both polished and mild, making it accessible for all users. The smooth action of the Lupines reduces friction and promotes ease of use. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is not elaborated upon, leaving a gap in understanding its specific characteristics. However, given its ultra-light bottom-out force, one might infer that it is designed for a gentle, almost effortless typing experience tailored for those who prefer lighter actions.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch delivers an engaging and lively acoustic profile paired with a refined and smooth typing feel. It is well-suited for both casual and professional settings. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g places a premium on creating a hushed environment, making it ideal for quiet spaces, though the details on its specific feel remain unknown. Each switch offers distinct advantages: the Lupine for those who enjoy more pronounced sound and feel, and the Silent Sakura for users prioritizing a tranquil typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference regarding sound and the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environment you’ll be using them in. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Lupine is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy the satisfying clacky sound profile that accompanies each keystroke. The dual-stage long springs give you a unique feel of resistance and rebound, making typing a more dynamic experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lightweight and ultra-quiet environment, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch will serve you well with its gentle 43-gram actuation force, making it ideal for those who type lightly and seek a serene workspace. With its whisper-quiet performance, it's perfect for quiet typing sessions in shared spaces or late-night work when noise could be disruptive. Ultimately, selecting between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize a more tactile and audible feedback with the Lupine or a soft, silent experience with the Silent Sakura - ensuring that whatever your choice may be, your typing satisfaction is guaranteed.
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