Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both offer unique features and characteristics worth exploring. The Durock Lupine is a linear switch renowned for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution upon pressing down and a powerful upward movement on rebound. This switch offers a classic clacky sound profile and is categorized as neutral, mild, high-pitched, polished. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade features a metallic insert in its stem base for a bright and resonant sound, as well as a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. The typing experience with the WS Jades is described as creamy, smooth, and rock-solid upon bottoming out, with a categorization of clacky, marbly, resonant, silky, creamy. While both switches have their own unique strengths, deciding between them requires a deeper exploration beyond generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. While the Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Jade utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Although both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they both excel in enhancing the auditory experience of typing on the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade offers a pleasing and unique sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Lupine utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Jade features a POM bottom housing that complements the POM top housing with its similarly deep and muted sound profile. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their bottom housing materials, contributing to the overall typing experience. Whether it's the softer nylon of the Lupine or the POM of the WS Jade, these materials help create a satisfying sound and feel when typing on the switches.
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, it's evident that each material brings its own set of characteristics to the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for distinct qualities to shine through when typing on the switches. While the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the WS Jade's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Lupine enhances the overall sound profile with its fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade complements the top housing with its unique qualities. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience thanks to the thoughtful selection of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The Lupine features a light actuation force of None grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium typing feel. In contrast, the WS Jade requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams but has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, also falling into the medium category. While both switches offer a similar level of tactile feedback, the Lupine allows for a slightly lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the WS Jade offers a slightly stronger push feel, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Lupine offers just a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Jade. For those who prefer a slightly more substantial depth to their keystrokes, the Lupine may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the WS Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 it comes to sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound profile that is sharp and bright. If you prefer a more neutral sound, the Lupine would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more distinctive and percussive sound, the WS Jade would be a great option.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch provides a silky and creamy typing experience that is exceptionally smooth and buttery. If you prefer a gentler typing experience with reduced friction, the Lupine would be a good fit, while if you enjoy a luxurious and smooth typing sensation, the WS Jade would be the way to go.
Overall, both the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine provides a neutral sound and a mild, polished typing experience, while the WS Jade offers a clacky, resonant sound and a silky, creamy typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, both switches offer high-quality construction and design, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Lupine linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, you should take into account the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a consistent weight distribution, then the Lupine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lower bottom out force, a bright metallic sound profile with a light diffuser for RGB display, and a uniquely creamy and smooth typing experience, then the WS Jade could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
