Durock Anubis vs. Everglide Aqua King (V3)
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the Everglide Aqua King, which are known for their distinct characteristics. The Anubis is a tactile switch that offers a deep and resonant sound profile, accompanied by a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying and assertive feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aqua King is a linear switch that stands out with its frictionless feel, reminiscent of effortlessly gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. Your fingers effortlessly move across the keys, creating a truly magical typing experience. While these general descriptions offer an idea of what each switch offers, let's delve deeper into their specific qualities and features to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and Everglide Aqua King differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Anubis utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Aqua King incorporates polycarbonate for both. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is advantageous for switches with RGB lighting due to its transparency, while nylon lacks this feature. Despite these differences, the choice between the two materials ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch has a significant impact on the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a key role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Anubis, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aqua King creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The nylon top housing in the Anubis results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during key release, whereas the polycarbonate top housing found in the Aqua King produces a more crisp and resonant sound. These differences in sound experiences can greatly impact the overall satisfaction of the user.
Despite the variations in housing materials, both the Durock Anubis and Everglide Aqua King offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences. If a softer and more absorbent sound profile is desired, the Anubis with its nylon top and bottom housings would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for a sharper and clearer sound, the Aqua King's polycarbonate top and bottom housings would be preferred. Additionally, the Aqua King's polycarbonate housing is especially advantageous for those who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup, as its transparency enhances the visual appeal. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics, allowing users to find the perfect match for their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Anubis has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Aqua King's 46-gram actuation force. However, both switches have a relatively similar bottom out force, with the Anubis at 65 grams and the Aqua King at 62 grams, both falling into the medium range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King would be the better choice with its lower actuation force compared to the Anubis. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for office use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who favor a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Anubis, even though its specific actuation force is unknown. These individuals typically prefer switches with heavier forces.
Overall, while the actuation forces of the Durock Anubis and Everglide Aqua King switches differ, the bottom out forces are relatively similar, offering a comparable typing experience in terms of force required to fully press the keys.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Whether you choose the Anubis or the Aqua King, you can expect to feel the same distance when pressing down on a key. Therefore, there is no difference in travel distance between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 tactile switch has a deep and resonant sound profile. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, and the bump is more pronounced than most other tactile switches. This means that if you prefer a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke, the Anubis switch is a great choice. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is described as having a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps. However, if you're looking for a similar experience, both switches fall into the neutral category, meaning they have a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as an accented switch. This means it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the switch is polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and silky typing experience. The smooth and buttery feel of the Aqua King switch is due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. It provides a fluid and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. Once again, it's worth mentioning that both switches fall into the polished category, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, offering satisfying feedback. Its accented and polished feel results in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Aqua King switch offers a more subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless, and silky typing experience. It feels as if your fingers are effortlessly gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. While the switches differ in sound and feel, they both provide a polished typing experience with reduced friction, making them good options for those seeking smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a sharp tactility and enjoy a deep and resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. This switch is best suited for those who desire a more pronounced bump and a higher level of intensity in their typing experience. Additionally, the Anubis has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you value a frictionless and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch would be the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it provides a medium feel and offers a typing experience akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. These switches are best known for their creamy and silky sensation, creating a magical and comfortable typing experience. Moreover, the Aqua King has a subdued sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King linear switch depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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