Durock Anubis vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and TTC Brother are two popular options worth exploring. The Durock Anubis is a tactile switch known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. The pronounced bump in the Anubis provides a sharp tactility that intensifies the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the TTC Brother is a clicky switch that is lightweight and features a breezy actuation of just 37g, ensuring a tactile experience without being burdensome. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a well-balanced tactile bump, the Brother is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. Both switches have their unique characteristics, but ultimately your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the TTC Brother, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. The duller and rounder sound produced by nylon is a common quality found in both the Anubis and the Brother, providing a consistent typing experience across these two keyboards.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their top housing materials. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, while the Brother utilizes polycarbonate for this component. Nylon top housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for users looking for a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, polycarbonate top housings offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing sound. The choice between a nylon or polycarbonate top housing will ultimately come down to personal preference and the sound profile desired by the user.
With the top and bottom housings playing a role in the overall sound profile of a switch, it is important to consider how the qualities of each housing material impact the typing experience. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Durock Anubis and the TTC Brother offer a consistent typing experience through their use of nylon for the bottom housing, providing users with a deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Brother has a lower actuation force of 37 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Anubis the heavier switch of the two, as it requires more force to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother switch would be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Anubis would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Brother's 3.5 mm. The Anubis offers a slightly deeper keystroke experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Brother's shorter travel distance could provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking speed and efficiency. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, with the Anubis catering to those who prefer a deeper keystroke and the Brother appealing to individuals seeking a faster response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those seeking a sharp and intense keystroke experience. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, delivering clear and crisp clicks with a breezy actuation force of just 37g, catering to clicky switch enthusiasts. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Anubis offering a more assertive sound and the Brother providing a crisp and precise click.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This results in a smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch is easy-to-press and stepped, providing gentle resistance during key presses and a two-stage tactile feel that offers a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and assertive sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Brother delivers a satisfyingly crunchy sound with easy-to-press and stepped tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different keystroke preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for sound and tactility.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with medium-heavy bottom out force, a pronounced tactile bump, and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Anubis may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter actuation force, a clear and crisp clicky sound, and a tactile bump that strikes a balance between being felt distinctly and not overpowering the keystroke, the Brother switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so choose wisely based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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