Durock Lupine vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh their options carefully, and two notable contenders are the Durock Lupine and the HMX SU, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance the typing experience. The Durock Lupine stands out with its innovative two-stage long springs that offer a delightful typing sensation, characterized by a balanced weight distribution during key presses and a satisfying, powerful rebound. Coupled with its classic clacky sound profile, it appeals to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing and who favor a slightly more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU emphasizes a more subdued and refined auditory experience, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, which produces a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. This makes the SU an ideal choice for users who prefer quiet typing without sacrificing smoothness. Each switch has its unique attributes that cater to different preferences and typing styles; the Lupine offers a vibrant and dynamic feel whereas the SU leans towards a more understated approach. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the HMX SU, a notable difference is present in the top housing materials used. The Durock Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing sound waves to resonate more clearly. Additionally, its translucent quality makes it highly suitable for setups with RGB lighting, as the material effectively diffuses light. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributable to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller, rounder acoustic experience. Thus, while the Lupine is likely to appeal to those seeking a bright and vibrant sound influenced by visual aesthetics, the SU caters to users who prefer a richer auditory response.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a striking similarity. Both the Durock Lupine and HMX SU utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a consistent auditory experience. The properties of nylon create a uniform and deeper sound profile when typing, ensuring that users of both switches will achieve a similar acoustic quality at the bottom of their keys. The material’s ability to soften impacts also means that this feature contributes to a more pleasant typing experience across both models, fostering an environment where the feel and sound of key presses are harmonized.
Overall, while the distinct top housing materials create varied acoustic profiles when keys are pressed, the identical nylon bottom housing acts as a common ground for both models, ensuring that the overall typing experience maintains a cohesive sound quality. Users will experience the impact of the nylon in both switches as they type, resulting in a softer bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, even with the evident differences in the top materials, the fundamental similarities found in the bottom housings allow users to achieve similar auditory outcomes, making both switches appealing for different reasons yet tied together by their shared foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine's actuation force is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the HMX SU has a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Lupine switch requires a stronger push to bottom out compared to the lighter feedback provided by the HMX SU switch. For users who prefer a lighter switch that enables longer typing and gaming sessions, the HMX SU would be an ideal choice, whereas the Lupine might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its medium bottom out force. Overall, the HMX SU is the lighter switch, while the Lupine is the heavier option, suggesting preferences may vary based on individual typing styles and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find that the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SU measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the HMX SU the more responsive option for those who prefer quicker key actuation, as the reduced travel distance can facilitate faster response times, a feature often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Durock Lupine, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth when pressing the keys, avoiding the abruptness that can accompany shorter travel distances. Overall, individuals looking for a more tactile experience might prefer the Lupine, whereas those seeking rapid key presses may opt for the HMX SU.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Lupine and HMX SU linear switches, the Lupine is characterized by a classic clacky sound with a distinctly high-pitched tone that can be modulated by the acoustics of the keyboard and keycaps used. This sound adds a lively and engaging aspect to typing, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The SU, on the other hand, features a subtle and relatively deep sound profile due to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem construction. While the Lupine provides a sharper auditory feedback, the SU offers a more subdued experience, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment. Both switches will ultimately exhibit sound characteristics influenced by their respective setups, but the Lupine leans more toward a pronounced auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switches provide a mild and polished typing sensation. The mild nature of these switches creates a comfortable typing experience that is accessible to various skill levels, while the polished finish ensures smooth key presses and refined key travel. This combination results in an appealing tactile feedback that many users find enjoyable. The HMX SU switches do not have documented characteristics regarding feel, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if the SU switches also provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, they could be similarly enjoyable, albeit with unknown specifics.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine and HMX SU linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound, with the Lupine offering more expressive auditory feedback while the SU provides a subtle depth. As for feel, the Lupine stands out with its mild and polished attributes, though the characteristics of the SU remain unverified. Users looking for a dynamic typing experience may gravitate towards the Lupine, while those seeking a quieter, more subdued feel might favor the SU, depending on its unknown qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a typing experience that balances a medium force with a classic clacky sound, the Lupine is likely your best choice. Its two-stage long springs provide a unique feel that offers consistent weight distribution and an enhanced rebound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a polished and mild typing experience. This switch is suitable for both home and office environments, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subtle sound profile, the HMX SU switch will meet your needs well, given its 50-gram bottom-out force. Its deep sound and lightweight actuation make it a great option for quicker typing and gaming, where responsiveness is key. In summary, evaluate how much force and sound characteristics you desire in your switch; the Lupine excels in smoothness and feedback, while the SU shines in ease of use and gentleness.
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