Durock Lupine vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the TTC Yunhai present intriguing options for enthusiasts, each catering to distinct preferences in typing experience. The Lupine switches stand out due to their two-stage long springs, which provide a delightful consistency in weight distribution during key presses, resulting in a satisfying clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches are designed for those who favor a lighter touch; their feathery actuation force combined with a deep, rounded sound creates a gentle and effortless typing experience ideal for long writing sessions. While the Lupine offers a more dynamic feel with its powerful rebound, the Yunhai focuses on a softer approach that can reduce finger fatigue. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Lupine and the TTC Yunhai, there are distinct differences that influence the overall sound profile and aesthetic qualities of each switch. The Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer characteristics which contribute to a sharper, more resonant sound. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous when using RGB lighting, as it effectively diffuses light for a vibrant visual effect. In contrast, the Yunhai's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the polycarbonate in the Lupine generates a clearer sound, the nylon in the Yunhai creates a rounder acoustic experience, showcasing how the choice of material directly affects the auditory output.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a shared characteristic in sound profile. The nylon material inherently absorbs sound, contributing to a softer bottom-out feel that enhances the overall typing experience. This shared material means that regardless of the top housing differences, both switches will provide a similar foundational sound quality due to the nylon bottom. The impact of the bottom housing is significant; as both the Durock Lupine and TTC Yunhai use nylon here, users can expect a deeper, more muted sound when pressing down on the keys, making the typing experience enjoyable and consistent across both models.
The combined effects of each switch's housing materials result in a nuanced typing experience. While the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and brightness in sound, the Yunhai’s nylon top brings warmth and fullness. However, since both switches contain nylon in the bottom housing, they will ultimately align closely in the tactile and sound feedback provided at the bottom of the keypress. This interplay of materials highlights how each housing contributes to different aspects of the typing experience, with the Lupine aiming for sharpness on release and the Yunhai delivering a more subdued tone. As a result, while the sound profiles differ in terms of brightness and depth, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a consistently rich and satisfying experience for users of either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lupine does not specify its actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light. This means that the Yunhai switch will likely provide a more delicate typing experience, making it more suitable for users who prefer lighter keys for long typing sessions or gaming. The Lupine, with its heavier bottom out force, may offer a more substantial feel for those seeking a stronger push during their keystrokes. Overall, if you prioritize a softer keystroke, the TTC Yunhai switch would be the better choice, while the Durock Lupine switch caters to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Lupine features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Durock Lupine offers a deeper press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's shorter travel distance might cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored for their responsiveness. Therefore, if you prioritize a more pronounced feel while typing, the Durock Lupine is the better choice, whereas if you prefer faster actuation, the TTC Yunhai would be more suitable.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switches produce a classic clacky sound that tends towards a higher-pitched profile. This combination gives the Lupine switches a pleasant auditory response that is engaging without being overly obtrusive, making them suitable for both home and work environments. On the contrary, while there is no specific sound profile provided for the TTC Yunhai switches, they are known for their deep and rounded sound. This suggests that the Yunhai's audio characteristics may lean more towards a softer, bassier tone, potentially appealing to users looking for a more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, the choice between them might depend on personal preference in sound, with the Lupine offering a more pronounced clack versus the Yunhai's likely gentler acoustics.
Regarding the feel, the Lupine switches are characterized by a mild and polished typing experience. This indicates that they provide a gentle typing sensation where users can enjoy a smooth key travel that minimizes friction, thanks to superior materials or factory lubing. This can make long typing sessions more enjoyable and less fatiguing. In contrast, the Yunhai switches are described as exceptionally light and feathery, requiring minimal effort to press down. This weightlessness significantly decreases finger fatigue, making them particularly suitable for extended usage like typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches are designed for comfort, the Lupine offers a more refined touch, whereas the Yunhai prioritizes ease of actuation.
In summary, both the Durock Lupine and TTC Yunhai linear switches present compelling attributes for different user preferences. The Lupine's clacky sound and polished feel cater well to those who appreciate a more traditional yet smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Yunhai's deep sound and feathery actuation force appeal to those who desire a lighter touch and a more muted auditory response. Depending on individual priorities, whether it be sound, tactile feedback, or actuation force, users can choose the switch that aligns best with their typing style, ensuring an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a solid typing experience with a moderate actuation force of 62 grams and appreciate a consistent weight distribution combined with a pronounced and lively sound profile, the Lupine switch is an excellent choice for you. It features a polished feel that minimizes friction, making typing smooth and enjoyable while also ensuring it’s suitable for both work and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch with an actuation force of just 50 grams and prefer a deeper, rounded sound with less exertion required from your fingers, the Yunhai switch would serve you well. Its feathery feel allows for comfort during prolonged typing sessions, making it an ideal option for students or anyone involved in extensive writing or gaming who wishes to reduce finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider your specific needs and experiences to guide your selection between these two outstanding switches.
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