Durock Anubis vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that intensifies the typing experience. On the other hand, the Black Lotus boasts a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, these switches prioritize maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substance and comfort. Additionally, the unique light column in the Black Lotus offers customizable in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Durock Black Lotus switches vary in terms of their composition. The Anubis features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Black Lotus incorporates a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing with a nylon bottom housing. These differences in materials have an impact on the overall performance and sound profile of the switches.
The nylon top housing of the Anubis offers a classic switch housing material that enhances the typing experience. It provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the relatively softer plastic nature of nylon. This material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus delivers a unique and premium feel, which is distinct from the Anubis. Although details about the specific characteristics of this blend are not provided, it can be inferred that its composition contributes to a different sound and tactile experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Anubis and the Black Lotus use nylon. This consistent choice of material across both switches indicates a preference for its properties in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, comparable to its effect in the top housing. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, the impact of the nylon bottom housing is similar in both switches.
In summary, the Durock Anubis and the Durock Black Lotus switches differ in their top housing materials, with the Anubis featuring nylon and the Black Lotus incorporating a modified PC and UPE Blend. These variations are likely to result in different sound profiles and tactile experiences. However, the switches share a commonality in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing, effectively providing a similar deep and full sound profile upon bottoming-out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Durock Anubis has an unavailable actuation force, meaning we do not have specific information regarding the force required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is relatively light. This means that users will experience a more effortless typing experience with the Black Lotus switch compared to the Anubis, which may have a heavier actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. This means that users will feel a more substantial push when pressing the Anubis switch all the way down. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus has a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is also in the medium-heavy range. While the difference in bottom out force between the two switches is minimal, users may still experience a slightly lighter feel when fully pressing down the Black Lotus compared to the Anubis.
In terms of weight, it is worth noting that a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for those who use their keyboard for extended periods, such as at work or during gaming sessions. The Durock Black Lotus, with its lighter actuation force, would be a suitable option for those seeking a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Durock Anubis, with its potentially heavier actuation force, could be a better choice.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Durock Anubis is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare it with the Black Lotus, the bottom out forces of both switches are in the medium-heavy range. The Black Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force and a slightly lower bottom out force compared to the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile experience to users. Whether you choose the Anubis for its tactile feedback or the Black Lotus for its smooth linear action, you can expect to get the same satisfying keypress feel in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, thanks to its more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is not explicitly mentioned, so we can assume that it falls into a neutral category, with a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It falls into the category of "medium tactile" switches, offering a satisfying bump without being overly pronounced. Additionally, the Anubis switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like the Anubis, the Black Lotus switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish and reduced friction.
Based on the available information, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, providing a more intense and assertive typing experience. Its feel is characterized by a prominent yet balanced amount of tactility, with a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a silky smooth typing experience, with unparalleled precision and reduced wobble. Its sound profile falls into the neutral category, suitable for most purposes.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities and are suitable for different preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a deeper sound profile and a more pronounced bump, the Anubis would be a great choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and silky typing experience, the Black Lotus would be a suitable option. However, it's important to consider other factors such as personal preference, keyboard board, and keycap choices, as these can also impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp tactile feedback, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be a great choice for you. This switch is designed to provide an intense typing experience with its pronounced bump and medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that offers a polished and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Anubis switch fits the criteria.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is worth considering. With its 55g actuation weight and reduced housing and stem wobble, this switch provides maximum typing pleasure. The Black Lotus switch also offers in-switch lighting with its unique light column, which is fully removable.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is ideal for those who appreciate a deep sound profile, assertive tactile feedback, and a polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is best suited for individuals seeking a silky smooth feel, precise typing, and the option for in-switch lighting. In the end, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and additional features, enabling you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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