Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its pronounced bump enhances the tactility, adding an intense sensation to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, making it a great choice for those who desire a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch boasts a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, providing a unique typing sensation. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Anubis features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is not overly sharp. This satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky. Therefore, while the Anubis provides a softer and more muffled sound, the Ink Yellow offers a sharper and crisper sound.
In regards to the bottom housings, both the Anubis and the Ink Yellow utilize nylon as their housing material. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the top housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing in both the Anubis and the Ink Yellow.
While the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches differ, they also share similarities in terms of the overall sound profile. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches will be similar. However, the top housings set them apart. The Anubis's nylon top housing creates a softer and more muffled sound, while the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, often described as clacky. Therefore, although they have shared qualities in their bottom housings, the top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles for the Anubis and the Ink Yellow switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are similarities and differences to note. The Anubis's actuation force is unknown, while the Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams.
In terms of weight, both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. However, it's worth considering that weight can have different implications for different individuals. Those who prefer a lighter switch may appreciate the Anubis and its lower bottom out force, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter actuation may also be desirable for individuals bringing their keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions.
On the contrary, some users may prefer a stronger push feel in order to have a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, the Ink Yellow, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, might be a better choice. The additional force required in both actuation and bottom out can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback during keystrokes.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preference and typing style. Those who prioritize a lighter touch may find the Anubis more suitable, while those seeking a more forceful typing experience might lean towards the Ink Yellow. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer medium-heavy characteristics, ensuring a solid and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ink Yellow is the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience for those who prefer faster response times. The Anubis, on the other hand, offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump on the Anubis is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, giving a sharp tactility that brings intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is described as having a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It is also noted to have a clacky sound when pressed, adding a crisp, bright, and percussive element to the typing experience. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It falls into the category of "medium tactile" switches, offering a satisfying bump without being too intense. Additionally, the Anubis is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is categorized as a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Similar to the Anubis, the Ink Yellow also features a polished finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Anubis tactile switch excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile with an assertive tactile feedback. It is recommended for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke. The Ink Yellow linear switch, on the other hand, offers a shorter travel and a more gentle typing experience. It is recommended for those who want a typing experience between that on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. While the Anubis and Ink Yellow have their unique qualities, they both feature a polished finish for smooth key travel. Thus, if you are seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a sharp tactility and a deep resonant sound profile, the Anubis switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a satisfying and intense tactile feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a shorter travel and a typing experience that is between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow switch is recommended. It provides a pleasant smoothness and clackiness.
Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of sound, the Anubis switch is described as neutral, while the Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile with an additional clacky characteristic, producing a sharp and snappy sound.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Ink Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both switches have their unique features and characteristics, and it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and feel. Consider your typing style and what you prioritize in a switch to make an informed decision.
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