Durock Anubis vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, one can immediately see the differences in their design and feel. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a strong and satisfying tactile feedback with each key press. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, offering a heightened level of intensity. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro boasts a unique fully polycarbonate construction that influences both its sound and feel, resulting in a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Anubis catering to those who seek a sharp tactility and intense keystrokes, while the Crystal Pro appeals to individuals looking for a smooth and vibrant 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Anubis features nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer plastic's clear and resonant properties. While the Anubis and V3 Crystal Pro provide different sound experiences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
However, if we were to compare the top housing of the Anubis (nylon) with the bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro (polycarbonate), we would see a blend of qualities from both materials. The Anubis's nylon top housing would provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing would offer a sharper and crisper sound experience. This combination would result in a unique sound profile that balances the characteristics of both materials. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the top housing on the key release sound, would be evenly distributed in this hybrid setup.
In summary, while the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro utilize different housing materials for their switches, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to various preferences. The nylon housing of the Anubis provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Crystal Pro delivers a sharper and crisper sound experience. By blending the qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in a hybrid setup, one can enjoy a unique sound profile that combines the best of both worlds. Ultimately, the choice between the Anubis and V3 Crystal Pro will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Crystal Pro may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Anubis may provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Anubis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The difference may be small, but it can be felt by those who are sensitive to keypress depth. The Anubis might provide a bit more satisfying key press with its longer travel distance, while the V3 Crystal Pro could offer a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for keypress feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, the Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro switches provide a bright and chirpy sound signature, offering a silky smooth typing experience. The Anubis has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of uses, while the Crystal Pro switches have a unique chirpy sound that sets them apart.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switches are described as accented and polished, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, along with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro switches are bouncy and polished, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel and the same smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches provide a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the subjective qualities of both switches, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a more pronounced and assertive tactile feedback with a deep sound profile, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, the Durock Anubis would be the ideal choice for you. The pronounced bump and medium-heavy bottom out force provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more intense tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bright and chirpy sound signature, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro would be more suited to your preferences. The fully polycarbonate construction of the V3 Crystal Pro offers a smooth typing experience with a unique acoustic signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp tactility and deep sound profile (Anubis) or a linear switch with a bright and smooth typing experience (V3 Crystal Pro).
Mentioned in this article
