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Durock Lupine vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Durock Lupine and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, each offering distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Durock Lupine, a linear switch, is celebrated for its delightful typing experience, featuring a two-stage long spring that ensures a consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound. This results in a smooth and satisfying keystroke, complemented by a classic clacky sound profile that many find exhilarating. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB presents a tactile switch that masterfully combines the deep "thock" of its bottoming out with the quiet stealth of its topping out, creating a refined acoustic experience paired with a pronounced tactile bump. This switch allows for a luxurious typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

62g

Bottom-out force

65g

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

Standard

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

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, a notable difference lies in the choice of plastics for the top housing. The Durock Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency, leading to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material’s clarity is particularly advantageous when paired with RGB lighting, creating an appealing visual and auditory experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic," which prioritizes softness over stiffness. As a result, the U4Tx's top housing delivers a richer, deeper sound profile, lacking the same level of resonance and brightness found in the Lupine's design.

In terms of bottom housing, however, the two switches align more closely. Both the Durock Lupine and Gazzew U4Tx RGB employ nylon for the bottom housing, which is a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound effectively. The use of softer materials like nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, making for a more muted typing experience compared to the sharper notes produced by polycarbonate. Additionally, the proprietary Gazzew blend utilized in the U4Tx's bottom housing similarly emphasizes softness, thereby creating a full-bodied sound. This shared characteristic in the bottom housings suggests that both switches can achieve a deep and rich acoustic presence during use.

Overall, the distinct materials employed in the top housings of each switch mean that they will produce notably different sound experiences while typing. The Lupine's polycarbonate top offers a more vibrant and resonant auditory profile, benefiting any RGB lighting effects, while the U4Tx's proprietary blend introduces a softer and richer tone. However, since both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they will elicit similar deep and full sounds upon bottoming out. Thus, while the top housings create unique acoustic experiences, the bottom housing remains consistent, allowing users to enjoy some uniformity in sound depth between the two models.

Weight

The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch exhibit similar characteristics regarding bottom out force, with the Lupine registering at 62 grams and the U4Tx slightly heavier at 65 grams. This difference places the Durock Lupine in the medium range while the Gazzew U4Tx falls into the medium-heavy category. Both switches do not have specified actuation forces, which means we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard; however, their lack of defined actuation forces suggests that users may experience similar actuation results. In terms of weight, the Durock Lupine is the lighter option compared to the Gazzew U4Tx, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the U4Tx RGB measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm makes the Lupine switch the longer option, offering a bit more depth in the keystroke. Gamers looking for a quicker response time may prefer the U4Tx RGB due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance the speed of their inputs. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might prefer the Durock Lupine for its greater travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches represent modern trends, but the slight variance indicates different tactile experiences suited to user 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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB 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

The Durock Lupine linear switch features a notably clacky sound profile, which provides a unique auditory experience while typing. Its high-pitched sound, along with a neutral tone that balances the sharpness of its sound signature, makes it versatile whether you are at home or in an office setting. This results in a pleasant acoustic feedback that can be enjoyable for casual typing or focused work. However, the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard, switch mounting, and the keycaps used, which adds a layer of customization to the auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Lupine switches excel with their two-stage long springs. This design offers a mild yet polished experience, ensuring smooth and effortless key travel. The consistent weight distribution creates a gentle typing sensation, which is approachable for most users. The rebound feels particularly satisfying due to the stronger upward movement on release, making typing more enjoyable. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, while not specifically described in the provided information, is likely to offer its own tactile uniqueness that may cater to those preferring a pronounced tactile bump, giving a distinct feedback during use.

Overall, the Durock Lupine linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile coupled with a smooth and polished typing feel thanks to its innovative spring design. While the sound characteristics of the U4Tx RGB are not specified in this context, it is understood that it aims for a refined sound with a deep “thock” alongside its tactile response, catering to users who appreciate a different auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities that promise to enhance typing enjoyment, making your final choice likely to reflect personal preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and consistent feel with a moderate actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the Lupine switch is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams makes it versatile for both casual typing and gaming, while the unique two-stage long springs provide a satisfying bounce back, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a tactile typing experience that combines a refined sound with a noticeable bump, the U4Tx RGB is your go-to choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, this switch delivers a deep thock that brings luxury to every keystroke. Additionally, if you enjoy a quieter operation without sacrificing the feedback from key presses, the U4Tx RGB’s sound profile is ideal. In summary, consider the Durock Lupine for a smooth and approachable experience, and choose the Gazzew U4Tx RGB for a tactile and luxurious touch.

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