Durock Lupine vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two popular options to consider. The Lupine is a linear switch that stands out for its unique two-stage long springs, providing a delightful typing experience. With a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, typing feels smooth and satisfying. Additionally, the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound profile, adding to the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for both gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness without the distracting noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in these housing materials allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making them well-suited for users who prioritize auditory feedback. Additionally, their translucency makes them ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting in their keyboards. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Lupine features a nylon material, while the Yellow Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This choice of material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, as they effectively minimize the impact sound and provide a more muffled, pleasing sound.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Lupine or the Yellow Silver, the impact sound and feel will primarily be influenced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. In this regard, both switches offer a well-balanced and versatile experience, allowing users to enjoy different sound profiles depending on the motion of the keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, several differences and similarities emerge. Starting with the actuation force, the Durock Lupine switch's value remains unknown, while the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This suggests that the Yellow Silver requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lupine, provided that it is within an acceptable range for the user.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Lupine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This implies that the Lupine switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed, whereas the Yellow Silver switch offers a lighter sensation when fully bottomed out.
Considering the weight aspect, weight preferences can vary among individuals based on personal typing styles and preferences. Some users may favor a lighter switch, like the Outemu Yellow Silver, as it enables them to type comfortably for extended periods, making it ideal for professional environments or long gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force, such as the Durock Lupine.
It is worth noting that since both switches have medium actuation forces, users who enjoy a similar typing experience can opt for either switch. However, they should consider the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Lupine switch compared to the Yellow Silver, which may influence their choice for the desired amount of feedback and resistance.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Lupine and the Outemu Yellow Silver will depend on individual preferences. Those favoring a lighter, more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Yellow Silver, while individuals seeking a bit more heft in their keystrokes might gravitate towards the Lupine.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we can observe some differences. The Lupine has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver.
In terms of preferences, the traditional travel distance is typically around 4.0 mm, while a shallower distance would be around 3.0 mm. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Lupine might be a better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a deeper key press. In this case, the Yellow Silver with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the preference for travel distance will depend on personal preference and desired typing 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, without any specific characteristics. If you prefer a high-pitched sound, the Lupine switch would be a better choice.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switch provides a unique experience thanks to its two-stage long springs. When pressing down, you will feel a consistent weight distribution. On the rebound, you will experience a more powerful upward movement. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is also polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. As for the Yellow Silver switch, the information on its feel is unknown.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine switch is known for its clacky sound profile and unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution and powerful rebound. It is a mild switch with a polished finish, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. The feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown. However, if you are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, both switches can provide similar results. It's important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Durock Lupine would be a great choice. Its two-stage long springs provide consistent weight distribution while pressing down and a powerful upward movement during rebound. Additionally, the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound profile, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is worth considering. Suitable for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
