Durock Lupine vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Durock Lupine and the Gazzew U4Tx, two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Lupine, a linear switch, stands out for its unique two-stage long springs, providing users with a consistent weight distribution on each press and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx, a tactile switch, combines the best of both worlds. With a refined sound profile, it produces a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out. Each press delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, resulting in a luxurious typing experience. While these generalities can provide an overview, let's dive deeper to help you determine the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Gazzew U4Tx utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a more defined typing experience. In comparison, the U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, referred to as "boba plastic." This plastic blend offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. As a result, the U4Tx is an excellent choice for individuals who appreciate a more mellow and full-bodied sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Lupine incorporates a classic switch housing material, nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is pleasing to those seeking a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx also employs their proprietary Gazzew blend for its bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the U4Tx's bottom housing offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This "boba plastic" contributes to a pleasant and tactile typing sound, ensuring a satisfying experience for users.
While the Lupine and the U4Tx have contrasting housing materials for both the top and bottom housing, their unique qualities enhance different aspects of the typing experience. The choice of material in the top housing of the Lupine results in a sharper and crisper sound, particularly noticeable when releasing a key. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx's soft "boba plastic" top housing offers a deep and rich sound, providing a mellower typing experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Lupine adds depth and fullness to the sound, while the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary blend bottom housing contributes to a satisfyingly tactile and rich sound profile. Although their housing materials differ, both the Lupine and the U4Tx promise excellent sound characteristics, ensuring a delightful typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is important to note that the exact actuation forces are unavailable for both switches. However, it is mentioned that both switches have medium actuation forces.
In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy.
Considering weight preferences, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may find the Durock Lupine more suitable for their needs. With its medium actuation force and 62 gram bottom out force, it provides a lighter feel that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for office settings or extended gaming sessions.
However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gazzew U4Tx might be a better option. With its medium actuation force (exact grams unknown) and heavier 65 gram bottom out force, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and overall typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, it is safe to assume that they will provide similar results since they are both categorized as medium. The main difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Durock Lupine being lighter at 62 grams and the Gazzew U4Tx being heavier at 65 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see that the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the U4Tx's 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. The shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers due to its faster response times. If you value quick and responsive keystrokes, the U4Tx would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Lupine, with its slightly longer travel distance, might be more to your liking. Overall, both switches offer similar results due to their close travel distances.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
When comparing the sound of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see clear differences. The Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile, which is neutral in nature. This means it offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch offers a cleaner, refined sound profile. It provides a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. This gives it a bassy and muted sound character. The Lupine switch has a higher-pitched sound, while the U4Tx switch offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lupine linear switch offers a consistent and balanced typing experience. Its two-stage long springs provide a weight distribution that feels consistent when pressing down, and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. It is described as a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Lupine switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a sharp and intense tactile bump with each key press. This tactile feedback is prominent and distinct. However, there is limited information on the overall feel of the U4Tx switch, such as its actuation force requirement or other characteristics.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Lupine switch provides a clacky sound profile, a consistent weight distribution when typing, and a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch offers a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep and rich bassy sound during key presses. It also provides a sharp tactile bump for an intense typing experience. While there may be some similarities in terms of sound and feel, it is important to note that the overall typing experience may vary depending on factors such as keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Lupine is a great choice. These switches offer a consistent weight distribution when typing due to their two-stage long springs. The Lupine also provides a classic clacky sound profile, which some may find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gazzew U4Tx is a fantastic option. These switches offer a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switches also provide a sharp, satisfying tactile bump with each keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and the U4Tx will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral or high-pitched sound with a mild and polished feel, the Lupine is the way to go. However, if you prefer a bassy, muted sound and a sharp tactile feel, the U4Tx is the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and acoustic preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.