Durock Anubis vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the TTC Gold Red. The Anubis is a tactile switch designed with a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. It boasts a more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches, making it perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds intensity to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch offers, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your own preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and TTC Gold Red switches have contrasting housing materials that greatly affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and duller sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it more suitable for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Anubis and Gold Red switches share a common nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to what the nylon top housing offers. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound profile and typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel when using either of these switches.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, each housing material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, users can expect a mix of the qualities provided by the nylon and polycarbonate materials in the respective top and bottom housings of the Gold Red switch, resulting in a more versatile sound profile. Conversely, the Anubis switch's consistent housing material provides a consistent sound throughout the key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, some distinct differences become apparent. The Anubis has an actuation force that is currently unknown, while the Gold Red requires a force of 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Anubis requires 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Gold Red requires 50 grams, categorizing it as light.
Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it affects the duration of comfortable typing sessions. Those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Gold Red, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for individuals who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial push feel and a typing experience with a stronger tactile response may opt for the Anubis. The heavier actuation force of the Anubis provides a satisfying keystroke, making it a suitable choice for those who value a more pronounced typing experience.
While the Anubis and Gold Red differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on individual preferences. Whether one favors a lighter or heavier force, each switch offers its own unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, so pressing down on either switch will result in a similar feeling of key travel. This means that users can expect a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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, the Durock Anubis and TTC Gold Red switches offer distinct qualities. The Anubis has a deep and resonant sound profile, with a pronounced tactile bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. It falls into the category of a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches are described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. They also have a low-pitched tone, which gives a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Like the Anubis, the Gold Red is also considered a neutral switch, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switches are known for their accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. They are also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. They are particularly known for their silky smoothness, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Anubis, the Gold Red switches are also described as polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience due to either materials used or factory lubing. Additionally, the Gold Red switches offer a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and have a sound signature that is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switches and TTC Gold Red linear switches have their own unique subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Gold Red offers a thocky sound with a low-pitched tone. In terms of feel, the Anubis is accented and polished, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback with a smooth typing experience. The Gold Red, on the other hand, offers a mild and silky smooth typing experience with subtle resistance, also being polished for reduced friction. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for most users. While the switches differ in certain aspects, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep sound profile, the Durock Anubis is a great choice. Its pronounced bump provides a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, the TTC Gold Red is a fantastic option. It offers a buttery smooth typing experience without being too ostentatious in terms of sound. The Gold Red's snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard. Considering sound, the Anubis has a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, while the Gold Red produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, adding a deep and satisfying tone. In terms of feel, the Anubis is accented and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gold Red offers a mild and silky typing experience with a subtle resistance and polished finish. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for tactile or linear switches, bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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