Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, there are two great options to consider: the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Quinn, both of which are tactile switches. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, offering an intense and sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings. With the Quinn, users can expect a rich and immersive sound that adds character to their typing experience, along with a precise and clean tactile bump. While these general pointers provide an overview, let's dive a bit deeper into the details to help you make the best decision in choosing the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Gateron Quinn both feature nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Due to its softness, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housings of both switches are made of nylon, they contribute to the overall sound profile in slightly different ways. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced as it has a bigger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more significant in shaping the sound. Despite these slight variations, the use of nylon as the top housing material ensures that both the Anubis and the Quinn provide a similar experience with regards to sound production.
Moreover, the bottom housings of the Anubis and Quinn are also made of nylon, which further affects the sound profile. As the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound when typing, the nylon material in both switches helps create a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is softer compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile.
In summary, the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Quinn share a common housing material - nylon - for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material enables both switches to generate a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While the top and bottom housings may have slight differences in their impact on the sound profile, the overall experience is comparable. Whether it's the bottom-out sound or the sound when releasing a key, both the Anubis and the Quinn provide a satisfying typing experience thanks to their nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The Anubis's actuation force remains unknown, while the Quinn requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Anubis measuring at 65 grams and the Quinn at 67 grams. In terms of weight, those seeking a lighter option may opt for the Quinn, as its actuation force is slightly lighter. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Anubis may be a suitable choice. Ultimately, these switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing users the opportunity to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their respective distances. The Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional and slightly longer option. On the other hand, the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you choose the Anubis, you will experience a slightly deeper and more pronounced keypress, while the Quinn will provide a slightly shallower and quicker response. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Quinn for faster response times during gameplay, while those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate feel to their typing or gaming experience may lean towards the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's personal preference for travel distance and the specific requirements of their intended usage.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are distinct differences. The Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, resulting in a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The sound of the Quinn switches can be described as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing a rich and immersive typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct sound qualities, with the Anubis being more neutral and the Quinn having a deeper and richer sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Anubis is described as accented and polished. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Quinn is also described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. This indicates that it is super responsive, has a smooth typing experience, provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, and offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and comfortable key presses. However, the Quinn switch has additional qualities such as being snappy and bouncy, which may contribute to a livelier typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Durock Anubis and Gateron Quinn tactile switches have their own unique qualities. The Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, sharp tactility, and neutral feel. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a combination of crisp tactility, deep and resonant sound, and a range of feel descriptors including snappy, bouncy, buttery, and creamy. While the sound and feel of both switches differ, they are both highly regarded in their respective characteristics. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It is important to note that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also have an impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider your specific preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis switch is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump. On the other hand, the Quinn switch provides a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings.
If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, the Anubis would be a good choice. However, if you appreciate a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, the Quinn switch offers a bassy and resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as accented and polished, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Quinn switch is described as snappy and bouncy, offering a super responsive and lively feel with rebound, while the Anubis switch provides an accented, polished, and smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a deeper and richer sound profile, or a more neutral sound profile, as well as whether you prefer a snappy and bouncy feel, or a polished and accented feel. By considering these factors, you can choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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