Durock Anubis vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Anubis and the Dareu Holly are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound profiles. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp tactility with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While the Anubis offers a more assertive tactile feedback, the Holly appeals to users seeking a more neutral and balanced 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
50g
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 Holly both feature nylon top 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. On the other hand, the Holly stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Anubis's nylon top housing may appeal more to those looking for a softer typing experience, while the Holly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more defined sound.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Anubis and the Holly feature nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The softness of the nylon absorbs sound, creating a rounder and duller sound. This means that both switches offer a consistent sound experience throughout. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing also plays a role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the similarity in nylon bottom housing between the Anubis and the Holly may result in a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, while the Durock Anubis and the Dareu Holly share similarities in their use of nylon bottom housing, they differ significantly in their choice of top housing material. The Anubis's nylon top housing offers a softer and more absorptive sound, while the Holly's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and more resonant sound. This contrast in top housing material allows for a distinct sound profile between the two switches, catering to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and clearer sound, both the Anubis and the Holly offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and Dareu Holly tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Holly has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Anubis requires more force to fully press the key, providing a more substantial typing experience, compared to the Holly which requires less force to activate the keystroke. Both switches have a different focus in terms of force, with the Anubis leaning towards a heavier feel and the Holly towards a lighter touch. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two based on whether they prefer a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will get a similar feeling of travel. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Despite any other differences in the switches, the travel distance remains consistent between the Anubis and the Holly. So, whether you go with the Anubis or the Holly, you can expect to get the same travel distance when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis switch offers a deep and resonant profile with an assertive tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer a pronounced bump and intense keystrokes. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch distinguishes itself with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The Anubis provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, while the Holly offers a chirpy and clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The polished finish of the Anubis results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not available.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and Dareu Holly switches offer unique sound and feel profiles catered to different preferences. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound with an assertive tactile feedback, while the Holly offers a chirpy and clacky sound for a distinctive typing experience. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a medium level of tactility, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. However, if you're looking for a switch with a unique sound signature, the Holly might be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and a more pronounced tactile bump with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Anubis would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly switch would cater to your preference for a balanced and distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a sharper tactility and assertive feedback (Anubis) or a more balanced and quirky sound profile (Holly) in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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