Durock Lupine vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Lupine and the Durock White Lotus. The Lupine is a linear switch that provides a delightful typing experience thanks to its two-stage long springs. This design ensures a consistent weight distribution when you press down and a powerful upward movement during rebound. Additionally, the Lupine delivers a classic clacky sound profile, which some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch specifically crafted for discerning typists. It offers a gentle tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus also features a removable light column, allowing for captivating RGB lighting effects that can enhance your keyboard setup. While the Lupine focuses on a comfortable linear feel and classic clacky sound, the White Lotus prioritizes a subtle tactile experience and mesmerizing RGB illumination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch choice personalized for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Durock White Lotus differ in their housing materials. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, while the White Lotus showcases a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. Both materials have their unique characteristics and effects on the switch's sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. It is also translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus offers a unique and premium feel.
On the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, there are slight differences in the description of their sound characteristics. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The White Lotus's nylon bottom housing likely has similar sound-absorbing properties, leading to a similar auditory experience.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. This means that the feel and sound at the moment of keystroke impact will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite their differences, both the Lupine and the White Lotus are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, with their respective housing materials contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Lupine switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it impossible to determine how it compares to the White Lotus in this regard. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which falls under the medium category. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, indicating a lighter touch is needed to trigger a keystroke. Its bottom out force is slightly lighter as well, at 56 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.
Considering weight as a factor, the Lupine switch seems to be a heavier option with its higher bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the White Lotus proves to be a favorable choice, as both its actuation force and bottom out force are lower than that of the Lupine. Typists who desire a keyboard suitable for longer durations, such as for work or extended gaming sessions, may find the lighter actuation force of the White Lotus to be more comfortable. While the actuation force of the Lupine remains unknown, it can be assumed that both switches would yield similar results if their actuation forces were equal, given that they both fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Ultimately, the preference for a lighter or heavier switch will guide the decision between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Lupine has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the White Lotus being closer to the average, the Lupine offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers seeking quicker response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, making the Lupine an appealing choice for them. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the White Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches should be based on personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or a deeper key press. In either case, satisfactory results can be obtained as both switches offer suitable travel distances for a comfortable typing experience.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 is well-known for its two-stage long springs, providing a unique typing experience. When pressing down on the Lupine, users will feel a consistent weight distribution, while on the rebound, they will experience a more powerful upward movement. As for sound, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile, which is characteristic of many linear switches. This makes the Lupine suitable for a variety of purposes, whether at home or work, and appealing to both beginners and advanced users.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a delicate tactility that is designed with the discerning typist in mind. It strikes the perfect balance between tactile feedback and ease of use, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus switches also feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to any keyboard setup. This combination of a tranquil typing experience and mesmerizing RGB illumination makes the White Lotus switches a great choice for those who value both aesthetics and performance.
When it comes to sound, the Lupine is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer sound characteristics that are suitable for most intents and purposes, but it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. It is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. It is also considered mild and subtle, providing a gentle resistance while maintaining a light typing feel without being too feather-like. This makes both switches comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Lupine linear switch and the White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine provides a consistent weight distribution and a classic clacky sound profile, while the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility and a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own advantages and are suitable for different preferences and purposes. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to determine the final sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine would be an excellent choice. These switches provide a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus would be the perfect option. These switches strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback and user comfort, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. In terms of sound, the Lupine has a neutral or high-pitched profile, while the White Lotus has a low-pitched or neutral profile. In terms of feel, the Lupine offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and White Lotus switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel profile you desire.
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