Durock Lupine vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique experiences to cater to different typing preferences. The Durock Lupine is celebrated for its two-stage long springs, resulting in a consistent weight distribution during typing that culminates in a distinctly powerful rebound. This switch is not only a joy to type on, but it also delivers a classic clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, providing a more resonant sound that sets it apart from the Lupine. While the Lupine is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and auditory engagement, the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to users seeking a silky-smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Lupine Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Lupine and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share remarkably similar housing materials for their switch designs, employing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their upper structures, which has been noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality of the polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keys are pressed and released. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate material not only allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively but also offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance, making both switches equally attractive options for keyboard enthusiasts.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Lupine and Tomcat (Heavy) are made of nylon, a material renowned for its capability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to this sound quality by absorbing more vibrations compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic output. This design choice emphasizes that even though the upper portions of both switches share a common high-pitched character, the interaction between the polycarbonate top and the nylon bottom creates a balanced auditory experience. The presence of nylon allows for a smoothing effect on the sound produced, making the switches more versatile for various typing preferences.

When it comes to performance, the combination of these materials results in complementary sound profiles, with the polycarbonate top facilitating crispness and brightness, while the nylon bottom enriches the overall depth. Because both switches employ identical materials in their respective top and bottom housings, users can expect similar auditory results regardless of their choice between the Durock Lupine and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). This harmonization between the housing materials not only ensures a satisfying tactile and auditory experience but also highlights the nuanced interaction of materials in mechanical keyboard design. Whether typing or gaming, users can appreciate the balanced performance derived from this thoughtfully engineered combination.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Lupine has an unspecified actuation force, while its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, which sits in the medium range. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a more defined actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that, while both switches have comparable bottom out forces, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more tactile actuation experience due to its specified actuation force, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. In terms of weight, since the Lupine's actuation force is unknown, it’s difficult to determine which switch overall is lighter or heavier based solely on the available data. However, users looking for a lighter experience for extended typing sessions might lean towards the Lupine, while those who appreciate a stronger feel may prefer the Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is evident that the Lupine features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer of the two options. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches are relatively close, the difference in travel distances reflects their potential performance characteristics: the Lupine may offer a slightly deeper feel for those who prefer a more substantial key press, while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to gamers or users inclined towards quicker response times due to its shorter actuation distance. Thus, your choice should depend on whether you value a deeper, more tactile experience or a more rapid, responsive feel in your keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Lupine is noted for its classic clacky sound that falls within a neutral and high-pitched range. This ensures that it has a moderate actuation force requirement paired with a sharp, crisp sound, making it versatile for both home and work environments. It can appeal to users who prefer a sound that is not overly rich or bassy. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) remains unspecified, but it is characterized as resonant. Depending on how this resonant quality manifests, it could offer a more pronounced auditory feedback, but without specific descriptors, it’s hard to pinpoint how it compares directly to the Lupine's clacky tone.

In terms of typing feel, the Lupine switches offer a notable experience highlighted by their two-stage long springs, which provide consistent weight distribution, resulting in a smooth and polished typing experience. The switch's mild nature means it caters to a wide audience, allowing for comfortable typing without overwhelming sensations. With these attributes combined, users can expect a gentle and refined key travel. The Tomcat (Heavy), however, has its feel qualities unspecified. Given that it features Ly stems aimed at delivering a super smooth typing experience, one might anticipate that it also provides a sleek key travel, but without specific descriptors like "mild" or "polished," it’s not easy to make an exact comparison.

In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch stands out for its sound and feel, catering to those who appreciate a moderate auditory experience and a smooth, polished typing sensation. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, while exhibiting a resonant sound profile and super smooth key travel, lacks detailed descriptions that would allow for a thorough comparison. Overall, if you prefer a classic clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Lupine might be the ideal choice, while the Tomcat would be a worthy option for those seeking a different linear feel, though more information would help clarify its advantages.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Lupine and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll use them. If you enjoy a more balanced typing experience with a moderate force and prefer a familiar, clacky sound, the Durock Lupine will serve you well. Its two-stage long springs provide a unique combination of stability and an energetic rebound that can enhance your typing rhythm. This switch is versatile enough for both home and work settings, thanks to its neutral and mild characteristics, making it suitable for newcomers and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier typing experience and prioritize smoothness, then the Tomcat (Heavy) is your go-to choice. With its Ly stems and resonant sound profile, this switch offers a firmer bottom-out force that many will appreciate, particularly in fast-paced gaming or high-intensity typing scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a lighter, more polished touch or a heavier, ultra-smooth feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Lupine Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more