Durock Lupine vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Lupine and the TKC Tangerine, both of which are linear switches. The Lupine switch is known for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This, coupled with its classic clacky sound profile, makes it a treat to type on. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch takes the typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. The use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity in bespoke switches, contributes to this unparalleled smoothness. Additionally, the Tangerine switch offers a fairly high-pitched clack sound. While these general characteristics can help guide your decision, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best choice for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the TKC Tangerine differ in terms of their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the transmission of light. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature. This material gives the Tangerine switches a resonant clack when typing, offering a unique auditory experience.
Both switches also have different bottom housing materials, affecting the sound profile during bottom-out. The Lupine employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deep and full sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, which contributes to its bright sound signature and offers resonant clacks. This newer material brings a distinct sound to the Tangerine switches that differs from the Lupine's nylon bottom housing.
While the housing materials of the Lupine and the Tangerine differ, it is noteworthy that the top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released. Whether it is the polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine or the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine, both generate unique sound profiles upon key release. This similarity highlights that the switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, even with different housing materials. However, it is essential to consider how each switch's overall sound and feel are influenced by the combination of both top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, the information provided states that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of force required for pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, making them ideal for work-related tasks or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, in which case they should opt for switches with heavier forces.
In this case, as the actuation forces are not specified, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, since both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, it can be inferred that they will provide similar typing experiences in terms of key travel and pressing all the way down. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Lupine and the TKC Tangerine switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force, which unfortunately remains unknown in this context.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. The Lupine offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize fast response times. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of 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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and balanced sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginner or advanced, and for use in various settings such as home or work. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, offering a sharp and crisp sound. This can be preferred by those who do not enjoy richer and bassier sound profiles. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel. This switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, leading to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch delivers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The uniform typing sensation provided by the Tangerine switches ensures a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, like the Lupine switch, the Tangerine switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch provides a consistent weight distribution during pressing and a more powerful upward movement during rebound, resulting in a classic clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Tangerine switch offers an incredibly smooth feel with a fairly high-pitched clack. While the Lupine switch is described as neutral in terms of sound and mild and polished in terms of feel, the Tangerine switch has a high-pitched sound and offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing preferences, both switches can provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used to fully optimize the sound and feel of either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Durock Lupine and the TKC Tangerine are great options. The Lupine offers a unique typing experience with its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. It also has a classic clacky sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Tangerine has an incredibly smooth feel, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, which is a rare feature in bespoke mechanical switches. It offers a high-pitched clack when typing, which some may prefer over richer and bassier sound profiles.
In terms of sound, both switches fall under the high-pitched category, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. If you prefer a more neutral sound profile, you may lean towards the Lupine. However, if you specifically want a higher-pitched sound, the Tangerine is the better choice for you.
When it comes to feel, the Lupine has a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing experience in the middle-ground zone, which most people will find approachable. The Tangerine, on the other hand, provides a frictionless and buttery feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Like the Lupine, it also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the TKC Tangerine depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a unique two-stage spring design and a classic clacky sound, the Lupine is the switch for you. However, if you value an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a high-pitched clack, the Tangerine is the better option. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully to make an informed decision.
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