Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that are worth considering are the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Lupine is a linear switch that stands out for its unique two-stage long springs. Typing on these switches provides a satisfying weight distribution during the keypress and a powerful rebound. Additionally, the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed for a quieter office or work environment. These tactile switches strike a delicate balance between tactile feedback and noise reduction. Featuring ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, these switches effectively minimize noise without sacrificing the satisfying bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike many other silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches omit silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is both tranquil and tactile. However, to truly determine the best switch for your needs, let's dive deeper into their characteristics beyond these generalities.
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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in their housing materials. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, providing a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, while the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharp sound, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Both the Lupine and WS Silent Tactile have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, pressing down on both switches will elicit a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile. However, the difference in the top housing material will still contribute to variations in the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in their housing materials. The Lupine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, leading to a similar typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. However, the varying top housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is important to note that the exact values for their actuation forces are unknown. However, it can still be observed that the actuation forces of both switches are likely to be in a similar range since they are not specified otherwise. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Lupine has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. The weight of a switch is a significant factor as it determines the typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches usually opt for prolonged typing sessions, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing may prefer switches with heavier forces. Overall, while the actuation forces are unavailable for both switches, the Durock Lupine is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which has a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a highly responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, it is important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. If a deeper and more substantial key press is desired, the Lupine switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the specific preferences of the user.
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 Silent 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
The Durock Lupine linear switch is best known for its unique two-stage long springs that provide a pleasant typing experience. When pressing down, users will feel a consistent weight distribution, while on the rebound, they will experience a more powerful upward movement. In terms of sound, the Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound profile, which is suitable for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are designed with the office and work environment in mind. These switches offer a balanced level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. The WS Silent Tactile switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while still providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches that use silicone dampeners, these tactile switches create a typing experience that is both tranquil and tactile.
When comparing the sound profiles, the Lupine switch is classified as having a neutral sound profile with a high-pitched characteristic. This means it produces a moderate sound with a sharp and crisp tone. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch also has a neutral sound profile but is described as muted. This indicates that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is classified as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Like the Lupine switch, it is also classified as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Lupine switch is known for its two-stage long springs, consistent weight distribution, and classic clacky sound profile. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a balanced level of tactility, ingenious stem railings for reduced sound, and a tranquil typing experience without the usual padded feel of most silent switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper sound and smoother typing experience, the Lupine switch would be suitable. Alternatively, if you value a quieter typing experience with a balanced level of tactility, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a great choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a classic clacky sound profile, the Durock Lupine is an excellent choice. Its two-stage long springs provide a consistent weight distribution while typing, with a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience without compromising on medium-level tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is the switch for you. It features ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound, providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Additionally, it distinguishes itself from conventional silent switches by foregoing the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a clacky sound profile (Lupine) or a quieter typing experience with medium-level tactility (WS Silent Tactile).
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