Durock Anubis vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura mechanical keyboard switches, both being tactile switches, a clear distinction can be made in their characteristics. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp tactility that adds intensity to each key press. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura features a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. While the Anubis is categorized as 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Polished', the Purple Sakura is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Sarokey Purple Sakura, one can see a clear distinction in the materials used. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura boasts a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the choice between a deeper sound with nylon or a sharper sound with polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Anubis and the Purple Sakura utilize nylon for this component. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics. In this aspect, the two switches will provide a similar typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housings, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile between the Anubis and the Purple Sakura.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note how each component contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a greater role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. For those who value a deeper sound with a fuller feel, the nylon housing of both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if a sharper and crisper sound profile is preferred, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura will offer a distinct typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Sarokey Purple Sakura will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Anubis has no specified actuation force, while the Purple Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Anubis is heavier at 65 grams compared to the 60 grams of the Purple Sakura. This means that the Anubis provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Purple Sakura offers a lighter actuation force for a more effortless typing feel. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, with the Anubis leaning towards a heavier feel and the Purple Sakura towards a lighter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Anubis has a slightly longer travel distance than the Purple Sakura, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a reasonable travel distance that falls within the traditional range, providing a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the Durock Anubis and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. This means that whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, working at home or in an office, you can expect a moderate sound level that won't be too distracting. Of course, the actual sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Anubis is described as having an accented and polished tactile feel. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering, along with a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. This combination results in a smooth, gentle, and responsive typing sensation that should cater to a wide range of preferences.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis and Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Anubis provides a more pronounced tactility and a deep sound profile, the Purple Sakura offers a delicate balance of tactility and a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for. However, based on the available information, it is clear that both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for most users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Anubis if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and intense typing experience. On the other hand, opt for the Purple Sakura if you prefer a switch with a snappy response, a buttery downstroke, and a more mild and neutral sound signature. The Purple Sakura strikes a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering, making it suitable for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prefer a sharper tactility with a more pronounced bump (Anubis) or a smoother and more balanced tactile experience (Purple Sakura). Consider your preferences for key feel and sound profile to determine which switch best suits your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
