Durock Anubis vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a plethora of options catering to different preferences and typing styles. Two switches that exemplify this diversity are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the KTT Cabbage Tofu, a linear switch. The Anubis is prized for its deep and resonant sound profile, delivering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its more pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that intensifies the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring. Typists using these switches will notice a swift rebound after actuation, facilitating a smoother transition between keystrokes. Furthermore, the Cabbage Tofu is known for its sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, adding a unique auditory element to the typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision in choosing the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the KTT Cabbage Tofu differ in terms of their housing materials. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Anubis and the Cabbage Tofu employ nylon. This material offers similar acoustic qualities for both switches, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you were to use either switch, you can expect a similar sound experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute distinct qualities to the overall sound and feel. With the Anubis, the impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Cabbage Tofu, the sharp and crisp sound profile is primarily determined by the polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing reinforces the deeper and fuller sound. Thus, understanding the different roles that the top and bottom housings play helps in assessing the overall performance and sound characteristics of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Anubis has an actuation force that is unavailable in terms of grams, while the Cabbage Tofu requires 45 grams of force for actuation. This means that the Cabbage Tofu requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis. Moreover, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Cabbage Tofu has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls on the medium-light side. Therefore, the Anubis offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas the Cabbage Tofu provides a lighter actuation force for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences and whether one prioritizes a stronger push feel or a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cabbage Tofu has an MSRP of $3.25 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cabbage Tofu for $2.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile. With a more pronounced bump than most other tactile switches, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch is described as "clacky" and "high-pitched." It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to the collision of Mahjong tiles. Depending on your preference and the other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, the Anubis provides a neutral sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes, while the Cabbage Tofu offers a crisp and bright sound.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis is considered an "accented" and "polished" switch. It offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a medium tactile switch. The smooth and refined finish of the Anubis switch contributes to a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch is described as "creamy," "polished," "silky," and "snappy." It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch's exceptional smoothness enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, making it highly responsive.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying and assertive typing experience. Its accented and polished feel enhances tactility and provides a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and bright typing experience reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding. Its creamy, polished, and silky feel ensures a smooth and buttery typing experience with exceptional responsiveness. Depending on your preferences, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, as well as a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The Anubis is described as a neutral switch in terms of sound, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, it is referred to as an accented switch, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with improved tactility and responsiveness, along with a unique sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, the KTT Cabbage Tofu would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a medium-light touch. The Cabbage Tofu is described as a clacky and high-pitched switch, producing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. In terms of feel, it has multiple descriptors such as creamy, polished, silky, and snappy, all contributing to a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch depends on your preference for sound, feel, and the level of tactility you desire. Consider your typing style, environment, and personal preferences to make an informed decision.