Durock Anubis vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis and the Durock Ice King Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is praised for its deep and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp and assertive tactile feedback that sets it apart from other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is known for its creamy smoothness paired with a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience that blends the best of both worlds. While the Anubis boasts a more intense tactility, the Ice King Tactile offers a smoother and more subdued 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
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Anubis and the Durock Ice King Tactile feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This consistent use of nylon housing materials across both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the design of their housings. While the Anubis features a specific nylon top and bottom housing, the Ice King Tactile also incorporates the same nylon material for both the top and bottom housing. This difference may lead to a slightly varying typing experience between the two switches, with the Ice King Tactile potentially offering a more uniform sound profile throughout each keystroke. However, users of both switches can still expect a similar overall typing sound and feel due to the shared use of nylon housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Durock Ice King Tactile may come down to personal preference regarding typing sound and feel. Both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing materials, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Whether the slight difference in housing design between the two switches impacts the overall typing experience is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch thanks to the superior sound absorption properties of nylon housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Anubis has a lower actuation force of None grams, meaning it is lighter to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ice King Tactile, which requires 58 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Anubis is 65 grams, while the Ice King Tactile has a bottom out force of 68 grams, making the Ice King Tactile slightly heavier when fully pressed down. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but if preference leans towards a lighter actuation force, the Anubis may be the better choice for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Ice King Tactile could be the preferred option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ice King Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Anubis. The 4 mm travel distance of the Anubis is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, while the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Tactile offers a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two depends on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Tactile for $4.20.
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 neutral sound profile that is suited for a variety of settings and preferences. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a more subdued sound, making it a quieter option compared to the Anubis. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Anubis is described as having an accented and polished feel. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility without being too scratchy, and it provides a smooth typing experience due to the refined finish. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by a silky, frictionless feel with a stepped effect that provides a two-stage tactile experience. Similar to the Anubis, the Ice King Tactile switch also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and enhanced smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Anubis provides a deeper and more assertive tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, the Ice King Tactile delivers a smoother typing experience with a subdued sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Durock Anubis tactile switch and Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced and sharp tactile bump, along with a deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump for a uniquely satisfying typing experience, the Ice King Tactile is worth considering. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a medium tactile feel, opt for the Anubis, whereas if you prefer a more subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless typing experience, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
