Durock Lupine vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the unique characteristics that each option provides. The Durock Lupine switches stand out with their exceptional two-stage long springs, offering a delightful typing experience where users can appreciate a consistent weight distribution while typing, followed by an invigorating rebound. This switch is renowned for its classic clacky sound profile that many typists find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an auditory feedback component to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches impress with their ultra-smooth operation, benefiting from the latest molds from Huano that ensure a refined and balanced sound profile—not too quiet yet not overly resonant. This makes them appealing for users who prefer a more subdued audio experience while still enjoying a seamless typing action. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, thus providing distinct advantages for varied typing scenarios. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This transparency allows for an enhanced RGB lighting experience, making it an excellent choice for users keen on visual customization. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing made from polyketone, which, while providing a smooth and clacky feel, does not offer the same level of light transmission. The POK material is highly durable and contributes to an overall sound profile that is less focused on clarity and more on a balanced experience. The differences in these top housing materials highlight the unique acoustic character each switch can offer.
Both the Durock Lupine and Huano Strawberry Latte share a commonality in their bottom housing material—nylon. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, embodying the traditional keyboard switch ambiance. While nylon bottoms create a consistent base, the distinctive top housing materials contribute to the overall sound and sensation during use, ensuring that each switch design captures its unique essence even with the shared nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches delivers distinct yet complementary characteristics. Users can expect a sharper and crisper response from the Lupine's polycarbonate top while also enjoying the fullness from its nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte's combination contributes to smooth typing with a clacky finish, courtesy of its POK top. However, both switches' nylon bottoms ensure that users will experience a similar deep and resonant sound profile upon bottoming out. Thus, while there's variety in the details, both switches promise to deliver satisfying feedback and sound, catering to different preferences while remaining relatable in performance quality.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Durock Lupine lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 62 grams, classified as medium, indicating a heavier feel when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a clearly defined actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. This makes the Strawberry Latte the lighter switch overall, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Lupine may attract users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation force for the Lupine remains unknown, the contrast in the known bottom out forces clearly indicates that those seeking a lighter touch should lean toward the Huano Strawberry Latte, whereas those preferring a heavier feel may find the Durock Lupine more to their liking.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Lupine the option with a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and a satisfying depth when typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte may provide a more responsive feel, catering to gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Although the difference in travel distances is minimal, those who enjoy a more abrupt keystroke might favor the Strawberry Latte for its quicker response, while users seeking a more robust typing experience might opt for the Lupine. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key feel and response time.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 has a classic clacky sound profile that provides a noticeable auditory feedback, characterized by a high-pitched quality. This makes it a sound that many typists appreciate, especially those who enjoy a crisp and sharp response when typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a balanced sound profile. It strikes a pleasing middle ground, meaning it isn't excessively loud nor overly quiet, positioning it as a suitable option for various environments from home to office without causing a disturbance.
In terms of feel, the Lupine offers a remarkably mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature makes it approachable for users at any skill level, while the polished finish allows for smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall tactile experience. The smoothness is attributed to either the materials used or potential factory lubrication, ensuring a refined feedback with each keystroke. The feel of the Strawberry Latte, however, isn't specified in the information provided, so we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Considering all available information, both the Durock Lupine and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer distinct auditory characteristics and tactile experiences. While the Lupine excels in a high-pitched clacky sound and a smooth, mild feel, the Strawberry Latte provides a more balanced sound profile. For those considering a choice, both switches would appeal to different preferences; however, if you opt for the Lupine, you're likely to enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a bit more resistance and enjoy the sensation of a substantial bottom-out force while you type, the Lupine might be the ideal choice for you. Its characteristic two-stage long springs provide a delightful balance in weight distribution, enhancing your typing experience with a distinct clacky sound that many users find satisfying. This makes the Lupine particularly suitable for those who enjoy a robust feel and are not sensitive to sound levels, making it a versatile option for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and prioritize smoothness in your typing experience, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent pick. With its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams, this switch allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it especially appealing for gamers or typists who favor speed over resistance. Additionally, the balanced sound profile ensures that it won't be overly distracting, striking a harmonious chord between presence and subtlety. So, consider how each emphasizes either weight and feedback or lightness and fluidity, and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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