Durock Anubis vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Anubis and the KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to the type of typing experience you prefer. The Anubis, a tactile switch, is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that brings intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Darling, a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a bouncy responsiveness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. While the Anubis is ideal for those who enjoy a sharp tactility, the Darling caters to individuals seeking a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. 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
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the KTT Darling both feature a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Anubis has a nylon top housing that provides a similar sound profile, while the Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Darling's housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the Durock Anubis and the KTT Darling differ in their choice of top housing material. The Anubis's nylon top housing offers the same deep and full sound profile as its bottom housing, emphasizing a consistent typing experience. In comparison, the Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a distinct sharp and crisp sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the KTT Darling comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Anubis's consistent nylon housing throughout provides a cohesive and duller sound experience, while the Darling's combination of nylon and polycarbonate creates a dynamic and sharp sound profile. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of housing material in influencing the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer different weight profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy, whereas the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light in comparison. The actuation force of the Anubis is unspecified, while the Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Darling may result in a quicker keystroke response, which is beneficial for fast-paced typing or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Anubis may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the difference in force profiles allows users to choose between a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier touch for a more solid typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Darling switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Anubis. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 tactile feedback, characterized by a pronounced bump that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bounciness that adds a lively element to each keystroke. These differences in sound qualities cater to different preferences, with the Anubis providing a more assertive and intense sound, while the Darling offers a crisp and engaging auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis switch is known for its accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is polished and smooth for a refined typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch offers a bouncy sensation with a spring-like responsiveness that adds a playful touch to each keystroke. These differences in feel highlight the unique characteristics of each switch, with the Anubis focusing on a balanced tactile experience and the Darling offering a more dynamic and lively typing sensation.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and KTT Darling switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Anubis excels in providing a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump, while the Darling impresses with its clacky and high-pitched sound paired with a bouncy typing sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a more intense and polished typing experience or a lively and dynamic feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the Anubis and Darling switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel in order to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your preference for actuation force and tactile feedback. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Anubis may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and responsive feel, the Darling may be more to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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