Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both fall under the linear switch category. Starting with the Lupine, it is best known for its two-stage long springs, providing a delightful typing experience. The consistent weight distribution during key presses and the powerful upward movement on the rebound make it a pleasure to use. Additionally, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out for its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. It offers a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Another similarity between the Lupine and the WS Onion is their translucency, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a polycarbonate top housing that offers a distinct sound profile and supports RGB lighting, both the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion would provide similar results.
In terms of bottom housings, the Lupine and the WS Onion differ slightly. The Lupine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Onion also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound. Both switches benefit from the properties of nylon, creating a more robust and immersive typing experience.
Lastly, it is important to note that the bottom and top housings play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials between the Lupine and the WS Onion will lead to variations in the overall sound profile and typing experience, even though they share similarities in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is worth noting that both switches have unavailable actuation forces. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches is unknown. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Lupine has a force of 62 grams, which can be classified as a medium force. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, the lighter option may be preferred by individuals who value the ability to type for longer periods or partake in extended gaming sessions. This lighter weight can provide a more comfortable and effortless typing experience. In contrast, those who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing feel may opt for switches with heavier forces. These heavier switches can offer a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Although the specific actuation forces are not mentioned, it is reasonable to assume that both switches would provide similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the slight difference in bottom out force indicates that the Lupine may feel marginally lighter compared to the WS Onion. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is apparent that the Lupine has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Lupine falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is preferred by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be favored by individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether one values a quicker response or a more pronounced key press. However, both switches provide satisfactory results in terms of 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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 subjective qualities of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we find that they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch has a classic clacky sound profile, while the WS Onion switch has a more neutral sound profile. The Lupine switch provides a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying, along with a crisp, responsive feel. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, while the Lupine and WS Onion switches have different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer an enjoyable and pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Lupine would be a great choice. These switches provide a unique typing experience with their two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. They also produce a classic clacky sound profile, which some people might find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is worth considering. These switches boast a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. They offer a crisp and responsive feel and have a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Onion will depend on your preference for bottom out force and the specific typing experience you're looking for.