Durock Anubis vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Dareu Dream offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is a tactile switch that boasts a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, ideal for those who enjoy a sharp tactility that adds intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light actuation and attractive price point. This makes it a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a quality switch that is also affordable. While these general descriptions give an overview of what each switch has to offer, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine which one is the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Dareu Dream both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that is consistent across both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Dream utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize a brighter sound profile. This distinction in top housing material highlights the different sound characteristics that users can expect from the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Dareu Dream ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Anubis offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing, creating a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Dream's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a brighter typing experience. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, ensuring that users will receive reliable and consistent performance regardless of their choice.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a lighter touch, but its bottom out force is unknown. When considering weight, some may find the lighter actuation force of the Dream preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming use, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Anubis for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force in relation to typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel before the switch actuates. This results in a consistent typing experience for users who prefer either a tactile or linear switch. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a comparable feel, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise that can be described as crisp and bright. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch is described as accented and polished, providing a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Dream linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance and a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild characteristic of the switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump, while offering a medium tactile feel with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Dream switch presents a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel that is gentle and low-impact. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a light linear switch that offers a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience at an affordable price point, the Dream might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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