Durock Lupine vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, gamers and typists often find themselves at a crossroads between various designs that cater to different preferences, and two noteworthy contenders are the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). The Durock Lupine, a linear switch, stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing users with a notably consistent weight distribution during typing. This design results in a powerful upward movement upon release, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile that many find satisfying. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) introduces a hall effect mechanism that delivers a refined, silky-smooth keystroke, accompanied by a neutral sound signature that leans toward the desirable "thock" many enthusiasts crave. While the Lupine is ideal for individuals seeking a lively and engaging typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to those who prioritize a more polished and controlled feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share notable similarities, specifically in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is crisp and clear. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which contributes to resonance in sound. Consequently, both the Lupine and Sticky Rice (V2) create a distinctive auditory experience that is well-suited for use with RGB lighting, as their translucent top housings enhance the visual appeal of customizable lighting effects.
Conversely, the differences in material usage become apparent in the bottom housing, where both switches employ nylon. This choice of material introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate. As a result, when typing on either switch, users will experience a rounded and more muted auditory feedback that differs from the top housing's sharper sound. This combination of materials allows the keyboards' overall sound profile to be well-balanced, incorporating the clarity from the polycarbonate top and the warmth from the nylon bottom.
In summation, while both the Durock Lupine and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize identical materials for their top and bottom housings, their contributions to the overall sound profile vary based on their material properties. The polycarbonate top elevates high frequencies and clarity, making key releases feel sharp and pronounced, while the nylon bottom creates a deeper and more resonant experience during bottoming out. This characteristic split between materials means that despite their differences, both switches will yield similar results in terms of high-performance sound, offering a satisfying typing experience that captures the best attributes of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Lupine has a bottom-out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium, but its actuation force is unspecified. This lack of information means we can't directly compare its actuation force with that of the Sticky Rice (V2), which boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams. The Sticky Rice (V2) switches are clearly lighter overall, making them ideal for users seeking ease of typing over extended periods, such as during long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Lupine's heavier bottom-out force may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Thus, while the Lupine may deliver a firmer experience upon bottoming out, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out as the lighter option, catering to those favoring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Durock Lupine stands at 3.7 mm while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference, although minimal, suggests that users who favor shorter travel distances may find the Sticky Rice (V2) more appealing for quicker response times. However, the Lupine's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate and substantial key press. Both switches, while falling within the realm of contemporary preferences for shorter distances, cater to different tactile experiences depending on individual user preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 is characterized by its classic clacky profile, which emanates a high-pitched sound that offers a sharp, crisp auditory experience. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a low-pitched sound signature, leaning towards a mellow "thock" that many enthusiasts seek. The difference in sound profiles means that while the Lupine switch's higher tones can be perceived as sharper, the Sticky Rice's lower tones create a more subdued and bass-heavy auditory backdrop. Ultimately, your overall typing sound will also depend on your keyboard build and keycap choice, so both switches can complement different setups effectively.
When assessing feel, the Lupine switch stands out with its mild and polished characteristics, providing a gentle yet satisfying typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. Its two-stage long springs contribute to a consistent feel, making typing enjoyable without overwhelming the user. Similarly, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a polished feel, with silky qualities that enhance smooth keystrokes and reduce resistance. Both switches are described as mild, making them approachable for various types of users, which means that even though their predominant sensations differ slightly, both can deliver a refined and pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches each bring their unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lupine excels with its clacky, high-pitched sound and consistent typing weight, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a subtle "thock" and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. However, both are polished and mild in feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference regarding sound—where clacky versus thocky will play a significant role—but both switches can result in an enjoyable typing experience depending on your specific preferences and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a switch with a bit more weight and enjoy the sensation of a powerful rebound coupled with a classic clacky sound, the Lupine is a solid option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and polished feel make it suitable for those who prefer a more tactile experience in their typing without becoming overly taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, lighter touch during your typing sessions, particularly if you're a gamer or a writer who values quick, precise keystrokes, the Sticky Rice (V2) would be an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, it delivers a silky smooth keystroke along with a refined low-pitched sound profile that many enthusiasts crave. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prefer a more dynamic typing experience with the Lupine or a sleek, almost effortless feel provided by the Sticky Rice (V2). Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, ensuring that there's a perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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