Durock Anubis vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Royal, both offering a unique tactile experience. The Durock Anubis is designed with a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. With a more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches, the Anubis offers a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal is known for its sharp and binary tactility, making it perfect for those seeking a nearly aggressive tactility. These switches deliver a high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Royal, both being nylon, share several similarities. They are described as providing a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches create a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the top housing of both switches plays a significant role in the sound emitted when releasing a key, enhancing the overall sound quality.
While the housing materials of the Anubis and the Box Royal are similar, they may also have some differences. If the top and bottom housings vary within a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and the bottom. This means that the bottom housing will primarily affect the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, while the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the specific configuration of the top and bottom housing materials could potentially result in subtle variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, both the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Royal, with their nylon housing materials, offer comparable results in terms of sound profile and feel. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper sound and absorbs more noise, providing a satisfyingly round and dull sound during typing. The split between the top and bottom housings may introduce some nuanced differences in the typing experience, but the overall qualities of the nylon material will still be present in both switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant and immersive typing experience with their nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, some key differences can be observed. The Anubis switch has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Box Royal's 45-gram actuation force. However, both switches share a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Anubis measuring at 65 grams and the Box Royal at 70 grams.
Considering weight is important when choosing a switch, as it can greatly affect the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Anubis switch, as a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions and is well-suited for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Box Royal's heavier actuation force. This force offers a stronger push feel, providing a satisfying and robust typing experience.
While the specific actuation force of the Anubis switch remains unknown, individuals who desire a lighter or heavier typing experience can find a suitable option between these two switches. The medium-heavy bottom out force for both switches ensures that they deliver a similar result when it comes to the force required for bottoming out a keystroke. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing needs will dictate which switch is the better fit.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, it is clear that the Anubis has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Box Royal's 3.6 mm. The Anubis offers a more traditional travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable and familiar. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Box Royal may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance provides a quicker tactile feedback, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Anubis may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25.
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
The Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump of the Anubis is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that enhances the intensity of each keystroke. The sound profile of the Anubis is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is highly tactile, providing a sharp, binary tactility. If you are someone who prefers a nearly aggressive tactility, the Box Royal is a perfect choice. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be appealing for those who do not prefer richer and bassier sound profiles. Again, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to determine the final sound produced by the switch.
In terms of feel, the Anubis tactile switch is described as accented and polished. It falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Anubis also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Box Royal can be distinctly felt with each and every keypress.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis and Kailh Box Royal tactile switches offer their own unique qualities. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile, coupled with a sharp tactility that brings intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a highly tactile experience with a relatively higher pitched sound. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a sharp tactility and a deep sound profile, the Durock Anubis is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and intense tactile feedback that really stands out. The Anubis is described as having an accented and polished feel, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and it has a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer an even more aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal is the switch for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a sharp and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The Box Royal is known for its nearly aggressive tactility, perfect for those who really want to feel their keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Box Royal depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a deep sound profile and a sharp but not overwhelming tactility, the Anubis is a great option. If you want an even more intense tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal is the better choice. Consider your typing style, the sound you prefer, and the level of tactility you desire when making your decision.
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