Durock Anubis vs. Kailh Box Jade

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch. On one hand, the Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. Its pronounced bump brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Box Jade provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps add to the overall typing experience. If you're someone who enjoys a distinct clicky sound and a tactile feedback that feels invigorating, the Box Jade might be the right switch for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Jade differ significantly. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Box Jade uses a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing of the Box Jade is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.

Both switches, however, share a nylon bottom housing. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, the housing material of both switches will provide a similar experience.

It's worth noting that when the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, each housing material will bring unique qualities to the overall sound and feel. Pressing down on a switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material in each aspect of the switch design contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile, distinguishing the Anubis and the Box Jade.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Anubis is not available, making it difficult to directly compare with the Box Jade's 50 gram actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 to 65 grams, categorizing them as medium or medium-heavy.

Considering weight in switch selection, some prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Lighter switches like the Box Jade, with its 50 gram actuation force, provide a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial push feel might opt for heavier switches. In this case, the Anubis, with its undisclosed actuation force, but heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, might be a better choice.

While the specific actuation force for the Anubis is unavailable, it is safe to assume that it could potentially be heavier than the Box Jade due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches, however, provide a medium or medium-heavy typing experience, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and typing feel.

Travel distance

The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch have different travel distances. The Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional distance. On the other hand, the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter. This means that if you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Box Jade would be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing, the Anubis with its longer travel distance would be the suitable choice. Both switches offer their own unique experience, so it ultimately depends on the individual's preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile. This switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback with a 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 Kailh Box Jade has a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Along with its clicky nature, the Box Jade offers a crunchy tactile bump, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches deliver unique sound experiences, with the Anubis providing a deep and assertive tone while the Box Jade offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and desired sound profile.

In terms of feel, both the Anubis and the Box Jade are described as accented switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer a medium tactile experience, giving a satisfying feedback with each key press. The Anubis is further enhanced by its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the use of high-quality materials and factory lubrication, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Box Jade offers an invigorating typing sensation with its pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy and reactive feel. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, with the Anubis providing a polished and sleek feel, and the Box Jade offering an invigorating and immersive experience.

In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Jade switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, brought about by its pronounced bump. Its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Jade offers a high-pitched clicky sound with a crunchy tactile bump, providing an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches are accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, whether one prefers a deep and assertive sound with a polished feel (Anubis) or a high-pitched clicky sound with an invigorating feel (Box Jade).

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. The Anubis is described as having an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and a polished finish that ensures a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Kailh Box Jade is the perfect choice. It offers a clicky sound profile with crisp clicks and a crunchy tactile bump. The Box Jade is also described as having an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and an invigorating typing sensation that is snappy and reactive.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, go for the Anubis. If you prefer a clicky switch with crisp clicks and a crunchy tactile bump, the Box Jade is the way to go. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to make an informed decision.

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