Durock Anubis vs. Kailh Box Navy

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Navy offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is a tactile switch that boasts a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, delivering a sharp tactility that intensifies the typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Navy is a clicky switch, designed for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and appreciate the sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. Its additional weight and crunchy feel create an invigorating typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make a well-informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Navy switches differ significantly. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a softer and fuller sound when typing. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Box Navy utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic produces a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Box Navy's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for those who want to incorporate lighting into their keyboards.

The bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, providing a shared characteristic in terms of sound and feel. The nylon material used in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on both the Anubis and Box Navy switches due to the shared nylon bottom housing.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch performance, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the overall sound and tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. As a result, while the materials used for the top and bottom housings may differ, their impact on the overall typing experience is divided between the pressing and releasing actions of the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, there are notable differences. The Anubis switch has an unavailable actuation force, making it unclear as to how light or heavy it is to trigger a keystroke. However, it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Box Navy switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Anubis switch for triggering keystrokes. However, the Box Navy switch has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Anubis switch.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Anubis switch with its unknown actuation force, which may offer a more comfortable typing experience for prolonged periods or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel might prefer the Box Navy switch with its heavier forces. The 90-gram bottom out force of the Box Navy switch ensures a more substantial typing experience, which some may find satisfying. It should be noted that while the actuation force of the Box Navy switch is slightly lighter, the significant difference in bottom out force between the two switches makes them distinct choices in terms of the overall typing experience they provide.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it is clear that the Anubis has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Box Navy's 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm falls on the higher end, while 3.6 mm is slightly shallower. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has become more prevalent, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Anubis with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in that case, the Kailh Box Navy switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the specific feel you desire when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis and Kailh Box Navy switches offer distinct experiences. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Its moderate actuation force requirement and moderate sound profile make it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch produces a higher-pitched and clean sound profile. It offers a crunchy and immersive auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Anubis switch offers an accented and polished typing experience. Its medium tactile feedback provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch provides a sharp and invigorating feel. Its strong and crisp tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each keypress. The switch offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. However, it's worth mentioning that the Box Navy switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, making it stiffer in feel.

Considering all the available information, the Durock Anubis and Kailh Box Navy switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with moderate tactility, while the Box Navy switch offers a higher-pitched and clean sound with a crunchy feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the assertive tactility and deep sound of the Anubis or the heavy typing experience and vintage buckling keyboard sound of the Box Navy. Whichever you choose, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a sharp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. Additionally, the Anubis has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Its accented feel provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, creating a smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch, the Kailh Box Navy switch would be perfect for you. It has a higher bottom out force of 90 grams, offering a stiff and invigorating feel. The Box Navy switch is known for its sharp and crisp tactile bump, providing a distinct and pronounced feedback with each keypress. The switch produces a resonant and crunchy sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Navy depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, typing experience, and sound profile. Whether you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a sharp tactility and deep sound, or a heavy switch with a high feedback intensity and crunchy sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. It is important to consider these factors and choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.

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