Durock Lupine vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Lupine and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on keypress and a powerful upward movement on rebound, resulting in a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Yoel excels in delivering a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that includes a satisfying resonance upon bottoming-out keys. While the Lupine is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'High-pitched', the Yoel offers a wider range of characteristics including 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own allure and reasons to be chosen, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Lupine has a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing that creates a unique, deep, and muted sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
While both the Lupine and Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The Lupine's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. This variation in bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience between the two switches, with the bottom housing having a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of performance, the Lupine and Yoel differ in their housing materials, particularly the bottom housing. The Lupine's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a switch with a sharp top-out sound and a deep and full bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Yoel's use of POM for the bottom housing produces a more unique, deep, and muted sound overall. Despite these differences, both switches offer a distinct typing experience due to the split qualities brought by the different housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Lupine and Yoel will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Yoel is the lighter option with an actuation force of 53 grams, while the Lupine does not specify an actuation force. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Lupine at 62 grams and the Yoel at 60 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Yoel compared to the Lupine, but the bottom out force being similar suggests that the overall typing experience would be quite comparable between the two. Ultimately, whether someone prefers a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience will determine which switch is the best fit for their needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market, especially among gamers who value quick response times. The Lupine offers a bit more depth with its 3.7 mm travel distance, which may be preferred by those who want a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Yoel's 3.2 mm travel distance may appeal to users looking for a slightly faster and more responsive typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results with their close travel distances, but the Lupine provides a slightly longer key press compared to the Yoel.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a bright and clacky sound profile with pronounced resonance at the bottom-out point, giving users a satisfying and vibrant auditory experience. Both switches fall under the high-pitched category, delivering sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
Moving on to the feel, the Lupine linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch offers a creamy and polished typing sensation, with a smooth and buttery feel that mimics effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. Both switches share the polished descriptor, indicating a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics for users to consider. The Lupine provides a consistent weight distribution and a classic clacky sound, while the Yoel delivers a chewy typing experience with bright and resonant clacky sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with high-pitched sound profiles, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a tactile and audible feedback while typing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams and a more neutral sound profile with a consistent weight distribution, the Lupine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force of 60 grams and a bright, clacky sound profile with a resonance that is satisfying and pronounced, the Yoel might be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with their own unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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