Durock Lupine vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both stand out as exceptional linear options. The Durock Lupine is loved for its two-stage long springs, providing a unique typing experience with consistent weight distribution on press and a powerful upward movement on rebound, alongside a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts lightning-fast actuation with its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Each switch offers distinct advantages, such as the Lupine's unique feel and sound profile and the Smoothie Silver's quick actuation and smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the POM top housing offers a different visual appeal.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Lupine's nylon bottom housing and the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the nylon is described as creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, while the POM's sound profile is still deep but relatively more muted. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a different tactile experience for users.
Overall, while there are differences in the sound profiles produced by the different housing materials of the Lupine and the Smoothie Silver, the unique characteristics of each material offer a distinct typing experience for users. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Lupine or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their combination of top and bottom housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance level for a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter to the touch and potentially suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preferences. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the ideal choice, while the Lupine is suitable for individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for the typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prefer fast response times, such as gamers. However, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. Some users may find the Lupine to be more comfortable due to its slightly greater depth, while others may prefer the quicker actuation of the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more tactile feel.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The sound produced is a classic clacky noise that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a more muffled and satisfying typing experience. While the Lupine offers a more traditional sound, the Smoothie Silver gives a unique and softer sound that some users may prefer.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild typing experience with consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound feeling due to its two-stage long springs. This switch offers a gentle typing experience that most users find approachable and comfortable. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not available, so it is recommended to try them out to determine the tactile experience they provide.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Lupine provides a classic clacky sound and a gentle typing experience with polished features for smooth key travel. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound profile and potentially unparalleled smoothness. Depending on personal preference, users may enjoy the traditional sound and mild feel of the Lupine or opt for the unique sound and unknown feel of the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches is the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile with a two-stage long spring, then the Lupine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a feather-light touch, unparalleled smoothness, and a thocky sound profile, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the Lupine provides a more traditional typing experience with a moderate actuation force and sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver offers a unique all-POM switch with a short travel distance for fast actuation. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences and needs to enhance your overall typing experience.
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