Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Anubis and Gateron Ink Red are two popular options that offer distinct qualities. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a deep and resonant sound profile, giving a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. It stands out with its pronounced bump, offering a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It is lauded for its smoothness, crisp and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. While these general pointers may help you decide which switch suits your preferences, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics to ensure you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Gateron Ink Red switches have contrasting materials for both the top and bottom housings. The Anubis utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. The INK blend produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky, while still maintaining a satisfying and not overly sharp profile. Therefore, the top and bottom housings for these switches provide different sound experiences, with the Anubis offering a deeper sound and the Ink Red providing a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
Furthermore, the impact of the top and bottom housings varies when pressing down and releasing a key. With the Anubis switch, the qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material used for the bottom housing will predominantly influence the sound and tactile feedback when pressing a key down. Conversely, the top housing of the Anubis will primarily shape the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, with the Ink Red switch, the bottom housing will play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will mainly impact the sound when key release occurs. Therefore, understanding the material composition of the top and bottom housings is crucial to determining the overall sound experience of these switches.
However, despite the differences in material, both the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Ink Red provide desirable sound profiles. The Anubis's nylon top housing and the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing both contribute to a satisfying sound when keys are released. While the Anubis elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's sound absorption properties, the Ink Red offers a pointed and higher-pitched sound with its INK blend material. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Anubis and the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red provide distinct sound profiles when keys are pressed down. Thus, although the materials differ, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, allowing users to select their preferred sound based on personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Anubis has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the 45 grams required by the Ink Red for actuation. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Anubis requiring 65 grams and the Ink Red requiring 60 grams. Therefore, if a lighter typing experience is desired, the Ink Red may be more suitable as it has a lower actuation force. Conversely, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the medium-heavy actuation force of the Anubis may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is equal, ensuring a consistent typing experience with both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, thanks to its more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as having a crispy and clacky sound profile. While it is not specifically mentioned, the Ink Red is also described as having a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Anubis tactile switch is described as being accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Similar to the Anubis, the Ink Red is also referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Anubis tactile switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, sharp tactile feedback, medium amount of tactility, and sleek typing experience. It is best suited for users who prefer a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a crispy and clacky sound profile, along with a silky smooth typing experience and minimal resistance. These qualities make it a great choice for those with a lighter typing style. While there are some similarities in terms of sound with both switches being described as having a moderate sound profile, each switch offers its own unique features and qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharper tactility and a deep resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis would be an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Additionally, the Anubis is described as having an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a linear switch, the Gateron Ink Red is the way to go. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Ink Red offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. It is known for its crispy and clacky sound profile and is described as silky and mild in terms of feel. Furthermore, the Ink Red also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Therefore, when choosing between the Durock Anubis and Gateron Ink Red, consider whether you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump and deeper sound profile, or a linear switch with a lighter typing experience and a clacky sound. Assessing your typing style and preference for tactility will help you make an informed decision. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
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