Durock Lupine vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Durock Lupine and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Lupine and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique features that make them attractive options for any typing enthusiast. The Lupine switches are renowned for their two-stage long springs, providing users with a consistent weight distribution while typing and a satisfying upward rebound. Additionally, the classic clacky sound profile of these linear switches adds a nostalgic touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry switches showcase a different set of qualities. With their attractive pink and clear housings, these switches offer a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry switches are known for their low-pitched sound, frictionless movement, and buttery smoothness. While these general characteristics give us a glimpse of what each switch has to offer, let's delve deeper into their details to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Lupine and the KTT Strawberry share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that will be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetics when using either switch.
Where the Lupine and the Strawberry differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Lupine features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the Strawberry will also have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when bottoming out, contributing to a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
When it comes to typing experience, the impact on sound and feel is influenced by the bottom housing, while the release of a key is primarily affected by the top housing. Therefore, users of the Lupine can expect a deeper and rounder sound when pressing down on a key, with a sharper sound when releasing it. On the other hand, the Strawberry will provide a consistently sharp and crisp sound both when pressing down and when letting go of a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the specific sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, a notable difference is observed. The Lupine's actuation force is unknown, while the Strawberry requires a lighter force of 43 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium.
The actuation force of a switch determines the force needed for a keystroke to register. In this case, since the actual value for the Lupine is unavailable, it is difficult to directly compare it to the Strawberry. However, it can be assumed that the Lupine would require a force similar to that of the Strawberry considering their matching bottom out force.
Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch as it greatly affects the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Strawberry, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lightweight characteristic is particularly suitable for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or during extended gaming sessions.
In contrast, some users prefer a more substantial typing experience, where a stronger push feel is desired. For these individuals, the Lupine might be a better choice, assuming its actuation force is similar to the Strawberry. The heavier force required by the Lupine can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Durock Lupine and KTT Strawberry linear switches differ in terms of actuation force, with the Lupine's force being unknown, they share a common bottom out force. Depending on personal preferences, the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry may be favorable for extended typing sessions, while the Lupine's potentially heavier actuation force can provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Lupine linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. These travel distances are relatively close, with the Lupine being slightly shorter than the Strawberry. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Strawberry being closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm and the Lupine being slightly shallower at 3.7 mm. Gamers, who prioritize quicker response times, typically prefer shorter travel distances like the Lupine. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Strawberry to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
The Durock Lupine and KTT Strawberry linear switches have distinct characteristics when it comes to sound and feel. The Lupine is known for its consistent weight distribution when pressed and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. This results in a classic clacky sound profile, which can be described as a neutral or high-pitched sound depending on individual preference. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. It is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Lupine switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone with its gentle characteristics. Additionally, the Lupine switch is also described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be achieved through the use of specific materials or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is known for being frictionless and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. It can also be described as buttery, indicating a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Like the Lupine switch, the Strawberry switch is also described as polished, promising reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lupine switch provides a more classic clacky sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Strawberry switch offers a smoother and more frictionless feel with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for similar results but cannot decide between the two, considering factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who enjoys a moderate actuation force and sound profile, both the Durock Lupine linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be suitable options for you. The Lupine switch stands out 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 also produces a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, the Lupine switch is described as having a mild and polished feel. It offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, guaranteeing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Lupine and the KTT Strawberry linear switches will come down to personal preference. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound and the two-stage long springs of the Lupine switch, it would be a great option for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and mellow typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Strawberry switch would be the ideal choice. Consider your desired actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision based on your preferences.
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