Durock Lupine vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Lupine and Wuque Studio WS Yellow both offer unique features and qualities that make them standout choices. The Lupine is renowned for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution while typing and a powerful upward movement on rebound. This switch offers a classic clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts enjoy. On the other hand, the WS Yellow introduces a fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, featuring a 22mm double-stage spring for a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. It offers a familiar sound signature adored by enthusiasts and ensures effortless keystrokes with its lightweight design. 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
53g
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 housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Yellow has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, while the Lupine offers a sharper sound, the WS Yellow delivers a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lupine is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. Its translucency allows for vibrant light to pass through, enhancing the visual appeal. However, the WS Yellow's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucent properties. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, the Lupine would be more suitable.
The bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which provides a similar deep and full sound profile. Nylon is known for its capacity to absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, whether it is the Lupine or the WS Yellow, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will result in a similar experience in terms of sound. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is important to note that the exact values for their actuation forces are unavailable. However, we can still analyze and contrast their characteristics based on the information provided.
Starting with the bottom out force, the Lupine switch requires a force of 62 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. In comparison, the WS Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly lighter, categorized as medium-light. Therefore, if a lighter switch is preferred for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions, the WS Yellow switch may be a suitable choice.
Moving on to actuation force, the specific gram value for both switches is unknown. However, it is worth noting that actuation force indicates the minimum force required to trigger a keystroke. Since no information is given to compare the exact actuation forces of Lupine and WS Yellow, we can assume that they are either the same or within a similar range. Consequently, if a consistent actuation force is desired, both the Lupine and WS Yellow switches could potentially offer similar results.
To summarize, considering weight as an important factor, the Lupine switch has a heavier bottom out force compared to the WS Yellow switch. This might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, since the exact actuation forces are unknown for both switches, it is challenging to draw a distinct comparison in this aspect. Overall, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch best suits an individual's typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, with the WS Yellow being slightly longer, it may still be noticeable to some users. In terms of comparing the two, the Lupine offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Yellow provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences – whether one values a quicker response or a deeper key press 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. It falls under the category of a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work use. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offers a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore, thanks to its material blend. However, specific information about the sound profile of the WS Yellow switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Nonetheless, both switches are likely to provide satisfying auditory feedback when typing.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic means that it provides a gentle typing experience and falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, ensuring a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy characteristic suggests that the switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This could be due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Similar to the Lupine switch, the WS Yellow is also described as mild and polished, ensuring a comfortable and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile feel, with the WS Yellow offering a potentially smoother experience due to its creamy characteristic.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. The Lupine provides a consistent weight distribution during key presses and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. It offers a classic clacky sound profile and a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow boasts a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a satisfying bounce while typing. Its material blend offers a familiar sound signature and a creamy and mild typing experience. These switches are both designed to offer a delightful and effortless typing experience, ensuring smooth and fluid keystrokes. While specific information about some qualities may be missing for the WS Yellow, based on the available information, users can expect similar results and a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Lupine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium, while the WS Yellow has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light.
The Lupine is best known for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This switch offers a classic clacky sound profile, which can be desirable for those who prefer a sharper and crisp sound. In terms of feel, the Lupine is described as having a mild and polished typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Yellow is known for its 22mm double-stage spring, delivering a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. This switch offers a familiar sound signature adored by enthusiasts. Additionally, the WS Yellow is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Similar to the Lupine, the WS Yellow also has a mild and polished feel, ensuring an approachable typing experience with reduced friction.
In conclusion, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a creamy and buttery typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and appreciate a more powerful and clacky sound profile, paired with a mild and polished typing feel, the Durock Lupine linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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