Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Lupine is best known for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, it produces a classic clacky sound profile, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Red is equipped with a 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While retaining a familiar sound signature, it also provides a heavier actuation force that adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, resulting in a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Lupine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Red utilizes a nylon material for both its top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Red's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Red's nylon housing absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer material, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, there may be subtle differences in their sound and feel due to variations in manufacturing or specific design choices. However, the fundamental impact of the nylon material on the sound and feel of the switches should be relatively similar.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials, particularly between the top and bottom housing, can affect different aspects of the switch's performance. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, whereas the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the contrasting materials used for the top and bottom housings in the Lupine and the consistent nylon material in the WS Red may result in variations in 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 Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to consider their weight. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Durock Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be categorized as medium, while the Wuque Studio WS Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, considered to be medium-heavy.
The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider as it directly impacts the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for more extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes them ideal for keyboards used in professional settings or for gamers engaged in demanding gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing, as it gives them a sense of satisfaction. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are recommended.
In terms of actuation force, as the information is not provided, it is unclear whether the Durock Lupine and Wuque Studio WS Red switches have similar requirements. However, assuming they have the same actuation force, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke triggering for both switches.
To summarize, the Durock Lupine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Red switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The actuation force for both switches is unknown. The weight difference between these switches allows users to choose their preferred typing experience, with the Lupine offering a lighter touch and the WS Red providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Red has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is preferred by gamers due to its faster response times. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the WS Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a shorter and more responsive feel, or a slightly longer and more satisfying depth to your keystrokes.
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 Red 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
The Durock Lupine linear switch is best known for its two-stage long springs, which provide a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This results in a satisfying and dynamic typing experience. In terms of sound, the Lupine switches produce a classic clacky sound profile, which can be described as neutral or high-pitched depending on personal preference. These switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. The feel of the Lupine switches is mild and polished, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a 22mm double-stage spring that offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience. The switches have a familiar sound signature, thanks to their classic material blend. The WS Red switches have a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke, which can enhance the typing feel for those who prefer a more substantial feedback. However, no specific information is available regarding the sound characteristics or feel of the WS Red switches.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switches provide unique subjective qualities for typists. The Lupine switches are praised for their two-stage long springs, consistent weight distribution, and classic clacky sound profile. They offer a neutral or high-pitched sound option, cater to a moderate actuation force requirement, and deliver a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switches have a bouncy and responsive typing feel, retain a familiar sound signature, and offer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feedback. While specific information about the WS Red switches' sound and feel is unavailable, typists can expect similar results to the Lupine switches in terms of their subjective qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a moderate bottom out force, the Durock Lupine is a great choice. It offers a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, providing a pleasant typing experience. The Lupine also has a classic clacky sound profile, which some people prefer. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red is worth considering. With its heavier bottom out force, it adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Additionally, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature. In terms of sound, the Lupine has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, while the WS Red's sound characteristics are not provided. When it comes to feel, the Lupine offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most, and it has a polished finish for smooth and sleek key travel. Unfortunately, the feel of the WS Red is not described. Overall, both switches have their unique strengths, so the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
