Durock Anubis vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is designed to provide a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a pronounced bump that offers an intense tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth tactile sensation. While the Anubis provides a sharp tactility for those who enjoy a strong feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro appeals to users who prefer a lively and audible typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic material. While the Anubis nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar deep and dull sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a comparable effect for a rounder sound experience.
The differences between the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro extend to their impact on typing experience and sound perception. The Anubis's nylon top and bottom housings work together to create a consistent deep and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate and nylon combination offer a mix of sharpness and roundness in sound. The top housing material of these switches plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released, and the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly influence the overall typing and sound experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provide distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Anubis's nylon top and bottom housings create a deeper and duller sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and more resonant sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, and the choice between them would depend on the user's preference for sound and typing feel. Ultimately, understanding how different housing materials impact sound profiles can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch reveals some notable differences. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 55 grams. However, the Anubis does not specify its actuation force, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro may feel lighter to type on and require less pressure to initiate a keystroke compared to the Anubis. In terms of preference, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Anubis, while those seeking a lighter typing feel may prefer the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Anubis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The longer travel distance of the Anubis may provide a more hearty depth when typing, which some users may prefer. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 satisfying and assertive tactile feedback that has a more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. Both switches deliver a unique auditory experience, each appealing to different preferences. However, remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet not subtle. Additionally, the Anubis switch is said to have a polished finish resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing sensation with a spring-like feedback. Both switches aim to offer a pleasant tactile feedback without being too aggressive or lacking in feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound with a creamy, tactile sensation. Both switches have an accented tactile feel that is smooth and refined, catering to users who appreciate a medium level of tactility. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more pronounced tactile bump with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Anubis may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, poppy, and clacky sound profile with a creamy tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a sharp tactility with assertive feedback (Anubis) or a lively, audible feedback with smoothness (V3 Cream Blue Pro). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and keyboard sound aesthetic.