Durock Lupine vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both offer unique advantages depending on your typing preferences. The Lupine is celebrated for its two-stage long springs, providing a satisfying weight distribution when typing and a distinct clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Mountain Top is designed for office settings, offering a quiet yet responsive typing experience ideal for professional environments. While the Lupine is categorized as 'High-pitched' and 'Polished', the Mountain Top is known for being 'Bouncy' and 'Subtle'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Durock Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the Gateron Mountain Top features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While the Lupine's housing material focuses on clarity and sharpness, the Mountain Top's material prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Both the Lupine and the Mountain Top employ a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the difference in top housing materials between the two switches may impact the overall sound profile produced when pressing down on the keys versus letting go.
In switches where the top and bottom housing materials differ, such as in the Lupine and Mountain Top, the qualities of each material will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a unique sound profile that combines the sharpness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon, offering users a diverse typing experience depending on the switch they choose.
Weight
The Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lupine has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Mountain Top requires 40 grams to actuate. Both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams for the Lupine and 50 grams for the Mountain Top, making the Lupine slightly heavier in this regard. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Lupine's heavier bottom out force may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Lupine offers a more extended travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on a key compared to the Mountain Top. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. In general, a shorter travel distance tends to be more popular in today's market, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer similar results, providing smooth linear keystrokes but with slight variations in travel distance.
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 Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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, both the Durock Lupine and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The Lupine has a high-pitched sound that provides a crisp and sharp typing experience, while the Mountain Top offers a more subdued and quiet typing experience, ideal for office settings where discretion is key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific environment in which they will be used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Lupine switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press nature, providing a lively and responsive typing experience that is comfortable and low-impact. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Lupine leans towards a smoother and more polished feel, while the Mountain Top focuses on a bouncier and easier-to-press sensation.
In conclusion, both the Durock Lupine and Gateron Mountain Top switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. The Lupine excels in providing a high-pitched sound profile and a polished typing experience, while the Mountain Top prioritizes a quiet sound signature and a bouncy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound and polished feel (Lupine) or a quiet sound and bouncy feel (Mountain Top). Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Lupine linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the factors of actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams and enjoy a classic clacky sound profile, the Lupine may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and value a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, the Mountain Top switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and needs.
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