Durock Anubis vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. On one hand, the Durock Anubis offers a tactile typing experience like no other, with a deep and resonant sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback with a sharp and pronounced bump. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more intense and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, providing a smooth and poppy typing experience with a unique clacky sound. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Overall, the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro differ significantly in their housing materials. The Anubis features a nylon top and bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material adds clarity and resonance to the sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing experience. These differences in housing materials highlight the distinct sounds and feels each switch offers to the user.
However, despite these variations, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality ensures that both switches provide a consistent deep and fuller sound profile brought about by nylon's sound-absorbing properties. While the top housing may differ in material between the two switches, the shared bottom housing material results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This demonstrates how the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall acoustics and tactile feedback of a switch, even when other components differ.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. The Anubis's nylon housing offers a duller and rounder sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, catering to users who enjoy a more vibrant and clear typing sound. Whether one prefers the deep resonance of nylon or the sharp clarity of polycarbonate, both switches showcase how housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch have different actuation forces but the same bottom out force. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a lower actuation force of 55 grams and the same bottom out force of 65 grams. The difference in actuation force means that the V3 Cream Black Pro requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis. This may result in a faster typing speed for some users. However, both switches offer a similar typing experience when it comes to the force needed to fully press down a key, making them suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Black Pro the shorter option between the two switches. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Anubis with its longer travel distance. In the end, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 profile, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides a unique poppy and clacky sound that is smooth and budget-friendly. The Anubis has a neutral sound profile, suitable for all types of users, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a high-pitched sound that stands out for its sharp and crisp tone.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis is described as accented and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent level of tactility that is smooth and refined. In comparison, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a spring-like feedback that is super responsive and lively. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump for a tactile typing experience, while the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth and buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget considerations. If you prefer a similar sound or feel quality, both switches offer a variety of characteristics that can cater to a wide range of user preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
