Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, it's important to note the key differences between the two. The Lupine is praised for its smooth linear feel, thanks to its two-stage long springs that provide consistent weight distribution while typing. The sound produced is a classic clacky noise, giving it a high-pitched and polished sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is known for its smoothness coupled with a noticeable tactile bump, providing an easy-to-press experience with a subtle sound signature. While the Lupine offers a linear typing experience, the WS Light Tactile provides tactile feedback for those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through. In terms of sound, both switches will provide a clear and resonant typing experience thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on the Lupine switch will provide a different tactile experience than typing on the WS Light Tactile, despite their shared polycarbonate top housings.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile splits the qualities of each housing material between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. This subtle difference in housing materials can lead to variations in typing sound and feel between the two switches.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance when typing. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is lighter, with a bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Lupine switch is not specified, but the WS Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. The difference in weight between the two switches can cater to different preferences among users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the WS Light Tactile for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Lupine for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lupine offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and how it affects your typing or gaming 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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile that is described as neutral or high-pitched depending on the individual's preference. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Lupine linear switch is known for its two-stage long springs that provide a unique typing experience with a consistent weight distribution and powerful upward rebound. It is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing feel. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch features a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, making it feel stepped and easy-to-press. This results in a more pronounced tactile feedback and a light actuation force for comfortable typing.
Considering all the available information, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Lupine linear switch provides a satisfying typing experience with its unique two-stage long springs, while the WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a snappy tactile bump for a more responsive typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a high-pitched option or a smooth and polished feel with a stepped and easy-to-press tactile feedback, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile with a two-stage spring mechanism, the Lupine linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider how you like your typing experience to be in terms of feel and sound, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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