Durock Anubis vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the TTC Venus, a linear switch. The Anubis is praised for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a strong tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration that provides a smooth glide paired with a "Q-texture" resistance for a matte sensation. While the Anubis is categorized as 'Accented', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Venus offers a variety of descriptors such as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', and more. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis features a nylon top housing, while the TTC Venus has a POM top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. In contrast, POM housings produce a unique, pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. The Anubis's nylon bottom housing, similar to the top housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate bottom housing of the TTC Venus is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings in a switch means that the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Durock Anubis providing a deeper and fuller sound with nylon housing and the TTC Venus offering a more muted and pleasing sound with POM housing. Overall, these differences in housing materials give users a variety of options based on their sound preferences.
While the Durock Anubis and TTC Venus have different top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on these materials. The nylon top housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, while the POM top housing of the Venus provides a unique, muted sound that leans towards the deeper side. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Anubis contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus produces a sharper, crisper sound with better light transmission for RGB lighting. Ultimately, whether you choose the Anubis or the Venus, you can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there is a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is unspecified. On the other hand, the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. The lighter actuation force of the Venus may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Anubis provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches offer users the ability to choose the option that best aligns with their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Anubis being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Venus switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Anubis switch. Overall, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump. This switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a low-pitched and muted sound signature with a thocky texture, creating a smooth and engaging typing experience. The Venus switch also presents a unique "Q-texture" that enhances the overall feel of each keystroke. While both switches offer different sound qualities, users can expect a pleasant auditory experience that complements their typing style and preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming or subtle. This switch delivers a refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Venus switch offers a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, giving users a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Additionally, the Venus switch is described as gummy and mild, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback and smooth key travel, catering to different preferences in typing comfort and sensation.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump, the Venus switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound signature with a unique "Q-texture" for a smooth typing experience. In terms of feel, the Anubis switch delivers an accented and polished tactile feedback, while the Venus switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a fulfilling typing experience that caters to a variety of users. Ultimately, choosing between the Anubis and Venus switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing comfort.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, you should consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump with a medium-heavy actuation force and a deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, buttery keystroke with a lighter actuation force and a subdued, muted sound, the Venus could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what tactile and auditory experience you prefer while typing. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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