Durock Lupine vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Lupine is renowned for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, it offers a classic clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts love. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, this switch delivers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. What sets it apart is the balance it strikes with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice leads to the creation of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the optimal dispersal of light. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality upon key release, these two switches will provide similar results.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Lupine incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the qualities of the top housing. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound during key release.
In summary, both the Durock Lupine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles and visual aesthetics. However, their differences lie in the choice of bottom housing material. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the sharper and crisper sound characteristics of the top housing. Overall, these variations in housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences and allow users to choose a switch that aligns with their desired sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the specific measurement for the Lupine is unavailable; however, the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams. Both switches can be considered in the medium range for actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Lupine has a force of 62 grams, which is also classified as medium. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy range.
When it comes to weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. This allows for less fatigue and strain on the fingers. On the other hand, some people enjoy a heavier actuation and bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. This can provide a satisfying tactile response and a sense of precision.
In summary, while the specific actuation force for the Lupine switch is unknown, it falls into the medium category. Both switches have similar medium actuation forces, but the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly heavier bottom out force in the medium-heavy range. Ultimately, individuals can choose between the lighter Lupine switch for longer typing sessions or the heavier Tourmaline Blue switch for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances, with the Lupine having a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the Tourmaline Blue having a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lupine being slightly shorter and the Tourmaline Blue being the longer of the two. Generally, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. This is because shorter travel distances allow for quicker actuations, leading to faster inputs during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press will likely find the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue more satisfying. It is important to consider personal preferences and priorities in order to choose the switch that best suits individual needs.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 provides a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile. This results in a more rich and bassy sound when typing. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, which means they have a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, then the Lupine may be a better choice for you. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild typing experience. This means that the keypresses will feel gentle and not too pronounced. Additionally, the Lupine is described as a polished switch, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduce friction and result in a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press. This means that the keystrokes feel smooth, fluid, and seamless, requiring minimal force to activate. These switches enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users.
Based on the available information, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Lupine provides a classic clacky sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Lupine offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery and easy-to-press feel. Overall, both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, making them suitable for most users. If you are looking for a switch with similar sound characteristics, the Lupine can provide a neutral sound profile similar to the Tourmaline Blue. Similarly, if you are seeking a similar typing experience, both switches offer a mild feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a classic clacky sound profile and enjoy a consistent weight distribution when typing, the Durock Lupine linear switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a comfortable typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the Lupine switches have a mild and polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you seek a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches are the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches strike a balance between accessibility and enjoyment for a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blues offer an easy-to-press and buttery typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue and providing seamless keystrokes. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches offer a moderate actuation force and are suitable for various intents and purposes. It all comes down to personal preference and which characteristics resonate with you the most.
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