Durock Anubis vs. Outemu Crystal

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. With a more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches, it delivers a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Crystal switches offer a unique linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight. They provide a neutral sound profile, creating a chirpy and high-pitched sound while typing. Both switches are polished and categorized as such. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the switch that best suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Durock Anubis and the Outemu Crystal have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Anubis features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. These materials have distinct effects on the sound profile and feel of the switches.

In terms of sound, the nylon top housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound when using the switch.

Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Crystal has an advantage when it comes to RGB lighting. Due to its translucency, the polycarbonate top housing allows for a more vibrant display of RGB lighting effects. The clear housing design is more common in switches made with polycarbonate. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Anubis may not showcase RGB lighting as effectively.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the same characteristics of the respective materials carry over. The nylon bottom housing of the Anubis contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out the key, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal enhances the sharper and crisper sound. The bottom-out sound and feel are more influenced by the bottom housing material.

In conclusion, the materials used for the top and bottom housing of the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Crystal result in different sound profiles and aesthetic features. However, both switches offer unique advantages based on the characteristics of their respective housing materials. Whether you choose the Anubis with its nylon housing or the Crystal with its polycarbonate housing, you can expect a distinct sound and feel when typing, albeit with some differences between the initial keypress and the release of the key.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, while the Crystal requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Crystal has a lighter actuation force compared to the Anubis. In terms of bottom out force, the Anubis requires 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, while the Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. Therefore, the Anubis has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Crystal.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer lighter switches like the Crystal as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Anubis. It is worth noting that while the actuation forces differ between the two switches, individuals seeking a similar typing experience with regards to bottom out force can expect comparable results as both fall within the medium range.

Travel distance

The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. In both switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel when pressing down on a key. This ensures a similar tactile feedback and typing experience for users who prefer either switch. However, it is important to note that the tactile nature of the Anubis and the smooth linear movement of the Crystal switches may still offer distinct differences in typing feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, thanks to its more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. This provides a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It does not have any distinctive characteristics or unique acoustic signatures. Therefore, if you prefer a more moderate sound profile without any added squeak or high-pitched crispness, the Crystal switch would be a suitable choice.

In terms of feel, both the Anubis and Crystal switches are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It indicates that both switches are well-made and provide a pleasant tactile sensation when typing. However, the Anubis switch is also described as accented, indicating that it offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This suggests that the Anubis switch provides a more prominent tactile feedback compared to the Crystal switch, which lacks any tactile bump.

In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, delivering an intense typing experience. It also has a polished and accented feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate level of tactility. On the other hand, the Crystal switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It also has a polished feel, providing smooth key travel without any tactile feedback. Overall, the Anubis switch is more suitable for those who prioritize tactile feedback and intensity, while the Crystal switch is better suited for those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the information provided, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be a great choice if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced tactility. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp tactility that brings intensity to their typing experience. The Anubis also has a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.

On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a suitable choice if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique, linear typing experience. The Crystal switch has a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight, offering a distinct typing experience. It also produces a neutral sound profile, making it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.

Both switches offer a polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Additionally, the Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, which can be appealing if you enjoy a more unique and crisp sound when typing.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel descriptions to determine which switch aligns better with your preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article