Durock Lupine vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are two popular choices among enthusiasts. The Lupine is best known for its linear switch design, offering a pleasurable typing experience with its two-stage long springs. The consistent weight distribution when pressing down and the powerful upward movement during rebound provide a satisfying feedback. Additionally, the Lupine emits a classic clacky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow, also a linear switch, offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With its rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. The medium-weight of the Sunset Yellow switches makes them suitable for a wide range of users. Furthermore, the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ significantly. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those intending to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. However, this sound is relatively more muted compared to polycarbonate.
Regarding the bottom housings, the Lupine incorporates a nylon material, which generates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon possesses a softer plastic composition and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep sound characteristic to the Lupine. POM also contributes to a unique sound experience but is relatively more muted overall.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the switch, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ for the Lupine and Sunset Yellow, they both contribute to the overall sound experience but in varying ways.
In summary, the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Sunset Yellow diverge in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top housing results in a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Similarly, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing contributes to a similar deep sound with some degree of muting. Despite their differences, both switches exhibit the influence of their respective top and bottom housing materials on the sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Lupine switch is unfortunately unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Sunset Yellow switch. However, the bottom out force of the Lupine switch is slightly heavier at 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Sunset Yellow switch is lighter at 43 grams, allowing for a smoother and quicker keystroke activation. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Sunset Yellow switch is also lighter at 51 grams, providing a relatively lighter typing experience overall.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the Lupine switch due to its heavier bottom out force, as it offers a more substantial typing experience. This can be advantageous for individuals who enjoy a tactile feedback and a sense of durability while typing. On the contrary, the Sunset Yellow switch, with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, may be preferred by individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions or have a preference for a smoother keystroke activation. Both switches offer their unique benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Lupine switch is not available for direct comparison, its bottom out force is heavier than the Sunset Yellow switch. The Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, has a lighter actuation and bottom out force. These differences allow for different typing experiences, catering to individuals who prefer either a stronger push feel or a lighter touch, respectively.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Lupine has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter distance of 3.2 mm. The Lupine falls within the range of a traditional travel distance, offering a slighter deeper press, whereas the Sunset Yellow is on the shallower end. Gamers, who often prioritize speed and quick response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow for a more responsive feel. However, those who appreciate a more pronounced, satisfying keystroke may lean towards the Lupine with its longer travel distance. Regardless, both switches offer different experiences, catering to individual preferences.
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 Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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 Durock Lupine linear switch provides a unique typing experience in terms of its sound. These switches have a classic clacky sound profile, which is characterized by a moderate and crisp sound when pressed. This makes them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and they can be used in various settings, whether at home or in the workplace. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile that resembles the sound of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, providing a truly indulgent typing experience. The Sunset Yellow switch is ideal for users who appreciate a deeper and more satisfying sound during key presses. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Lupine provides a more neutral option, while the Sunset Yellow offers a bass-heavy and thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch has a mild and polished typing experience. The switch offers a more gentle and approachable feel, with its qualities falling into a safe middle-ground zone. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This enhances the overall typing experience by providing a sleek and polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch delivers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. This switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The use of lubricant in the factory or specific materials contributes to the frictionless feel, creating a fluid and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches provide a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate clacky sound, while the Sunset Yellow provides a bassy and thocky sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. In terms of feel, the Lupine provides a mild and polished experience, while the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy and frictionless typing sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, depending on your preferences, you can choose the Lupine for a more moderate and consistent typing experience, or opt for the Sunset Yellow if you prefer a richer and more indulgent typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences, although with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In summary, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine is a great choice. The Lupine's two-stage long springs provide a consistent weight distribution during pressing and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Its sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Lupine offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish thanks to factory lubing. It falls in a safe middle ground, appealing to a wide range of users.
On the other hand, if you're seeking a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, the Everglide Sunset Yellow is worth considering. These Creamsicle-colored switches have a rich, bassy, and decadent sound that adds an indulgent touch to your typing experience. The Sunset Yellow's medium-weight makes it suitable for many users, and its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. With its very short travel and long-pole stem, you can expect a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. The Sunset Yellow's sound profile is characterized as bassy and thocky, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and Everglide Sunset Yellow depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a classic clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, the Lupine is the way to go. However, if you're captivated by a rich, bassy sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Sunset Yellow is a great option. Both switches provide unique typing experiences that can enhance your enjoyment and efficiency while typing.
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