Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Beer both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer stands out with its translucent green appearance inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles and a lighter, stepped tactility that offers a more subtle typing experience. While the Anubis may appeal to those who enjoy a sharp tactility, the Beer may be preferred by those who appreciate a lighter touch and a clacky sound signature. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis features a nylon top housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Gateron Beer uses a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in materials leads to distinct sound characteristics, with the Anubis offering a duller and rounder sound while the Beer delivers a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Anubis offers a classic look.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Beer utilize nylon and polycarbonate respectively. The nylon bottom housing of the Anubis contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. While the Anubis's bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, the Beer's bottom housing complements the overall sound profile with its stiffness and resonance. The choice of materials for the bottom housing further distinguishes the sound characteristics between the two switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Beer play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The softer nylon material in the Anubis results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate material in the Beer creates a sharper and crisper sound. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each component influences the sound characteristics of the switch. While the Anubis and the Beer offer different sound experiences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience based on the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key. In contrast, the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. While the actuation force of the Anubis is not specified, the Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams, indicating a lighter initial press to trigger a keystroke. The lighter actuation force of the Beer switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Anubis may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Anubis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. The Anubis with its 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Beer with its 3.4 mm travel distance offers a shorter keypress, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for faster response times. In terms of responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Beer may be more appealing, while the longer travel distance of the Anubis may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the user's typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or experienced keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch provides a distinct clacky sound that is sharp and percussive. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch provides an accented tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Additionally, it offers a polished typing experience with smooth key travel due to the materials used or factory lubrication. In contrast, the Gateron Beer switch is easy-to-press with gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable even during long typing sessions. It also features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile feel compared to switches with a continuous bump.
Overall, both the Durock Anubis and Gateron Beer tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a more subtle tactile experience with a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch could be the ideal option. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, resonant sound profile with a more pronounced tactile bump, the Anubis may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with a stepped tactile feel, the Beer could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so take into account your personal preferences and typing style when making your decision.
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