Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Lupine is a linear switch that stands out for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This results in a satisfying typing experience and a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. The WS Brown also delivers a delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ significantly, with the Lupine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon housing for both the top and bottom. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the Lupine switches. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when using the WS Brown switches.
While both switches share the nylon housing material for their bottom housing, there may still be slight differences in sound and feel. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out the keys on both the Lupine and WS Brown switches. However, since the top and bottom housing materials differ for the Lupine, the sound qualities of the nylon bottom housing may not be as pronounced as in the WS Brown. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so the Lupine's nylon bottom housing may contribute to a slightly different typing experience compared to the WS Brown.
In summary, the Durock Lupine and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in their housing materials. The Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing, while the WS Brown features nylon housing for both the top and bottom, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. Therefore, while there are distinctions, users can expect similar results in terms of sound when comparing the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific values for the actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, the Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter and falls into the medium-light range.
Weight is a significant factor to consider when choosing between these switches. For individuals who prefer a lighter feel, such as those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, the WS Brown with its lighter bottom out force may be more suitable. This lighter force allows for a more effortless and less fatiguing typing experience.
In contrast, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel, seeking a more substantial typing experience. They may prefer the Lupine switch, as its bottom out force of 62 grams provides a slightly heavier and more pronounced sensation when pressing the keys. This added resistance can contribute to a satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who appreciate a switch with a little more weight to it.
Overall, while the specific actuation forces are unavailable for comparison, both the Lupine and WS Brown switches provide a medium to medium-light bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will be based on personal preference, considering whether a lighter or heavier feel is desired for a more comfortable and enjoyable typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have slight differences in their travel distance. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, tend to prioritize shorter travel distances as they provide faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, opting for the Lupine with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the WS Brown's slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the Lupine and the WS Brown will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in the travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
Comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the Lupine is known for its classic clacky sound profile. This means that when typing on the Lupine switch, users can expect a satisfying and distinct click sound. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the WS Brown switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Lupine switch provides a more defined auditory experience, whereas the sound characteristics of the WS Brown switch remain unknown.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lupine switch is described as offering a consistent weight distribution during the keypress and a powerful upward movement during the rebound. This means that users can expect a satisfying and balanced typing experience with the Lupine switch. In terms of feel, the WS Brown switch is not specifically described, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. However, it is worth noting that the Lupine switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Lupine switch offers a classic clacky sound profile and a mild and polished feel, providing a satisfying and approachable typing experience for most users. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the sound and feel of the WS Brown switch. However, it's important to consider that sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, if you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the Lupine switch, choosing a switch with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel may yield similar results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique two-stage long spring design that provides a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, then the Lupine is the switch for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a classic clacky sound profile while typing, the Lupine will deliver that satisfying auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, then the WS Brown switch is a great choice. With its medium-light actuation force, you can enjoy fatigue-free typing during extended typing sessions. The WS Brown switch also offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination.
In terms of sound, the Lupine offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and preferences. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound when typing, the higher-pitched Lupine switch will be a great fit. Unfortunately, there is no specific sound description provided for the WS Brown switch, so it is best to try them out yourself or look for user reviews to get a better understanding of their sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Lupine switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch is also described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific feel description provided for the WS Brown switch, so it is advised to try them out or seek user feedback to get a better sense of their typing feel.
Overall, both the Lupine linear switch and the WS Brown tactile switch have their unique features and advantages. It is recommended to consider your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when making a decision. Trying out different switches or seeking input from experienced mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can also help you find the perfect switch for your typing needs. Happy typing!
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