Durock Anubis vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the Durock Light Tactile. The Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle tactility that is a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches delivers an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches are classified as polished, providing a smooth keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and Durock Light Tactile differ in their housing materials, with the Anubis featuring a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Light Tactile has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer plastic of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with clear housings, especially when RGB lighting is involved.
Both the Anubis and the Light Tactile share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, giving these switches a duller and rounder sound quality. Despite their different top housing materials, this commonality in the bottom housing ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of sound when typing on these switches.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can significantly influence the overall typing experience, with nylon producing a deeper sound profile and polycarbonate delivering a sharper sound.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Anubis is unavailable, which makes it difficult to directly compare with the Light Tactile's actuation force of 52 grams. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Anubis measuring 65 grams and the Light Tactile measuring 67 grams.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work keyboards or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel.
It is worth noting that while the specific actuation force of the Anubis is unknown, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. Therefore, if the actuation force of the Anubis is similar to the Light Tactile, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. However, if a distinct actuation force is preferred, the Light Tactile's 52 grams may be a determining factor.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Anubis and the Durock Light Tactile will depend on individual preferences. The Anubis offers an undisclosed actuation force and a 65-gram bottom out force, while the Light Tactile boasts a 52-gram actuation force and a 67-gram bottom out force. Whichever choice is made, users can experience a satisfying typing experience based on their preferred switch weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will experience a similar distance on both switches. Therefore, you can expect comparable results in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Anubis tactile switch is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump in the Anubis is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, offering a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a super gentle tactility, providing a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on the Light Tactile switch offers an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature.
In terms of sound, both the Anubis and Light Tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and user levels. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis switch is described as an accented switch, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to its polished finish and reduced friction. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and Light Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, while the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle sound signature and a less intense tactility. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard board choice to further customize the sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, and a more pronounced bump, then the Durock Anubis tactile switch is the one for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provides a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The Anubis is also described as having an accented feel, with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it features a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch offers an angelic tactility that provides a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches. The Light Tactile is also described as having a mild feel, making it approachable to most users, and it also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you plan to use them at home or work.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch will depend on your preference for a more pronounced and intense tactility or a gentler and more approachable tactility. Consider the sound profile and feel that you desire in your mechanical keyboard, and select the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
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