Durock Anubis vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Anubis and the TTC Iron mechanical keyboard switches, we see a clear distinction in their tactile and linear properties. The Anubis is praised for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a pronounced tactile feedback with a sharp bump that intensifies every keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Iron provides a distinctive clacky sound signature, along with a smooth and light actuation for fatigue-free typing sessions. While the Anubis appeals to those who prefer a satisfying tactile experience, the Iron caters to users seeking precision and pleasure in their typing. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and TTC Iron switches both offer unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Iron features a POM top housing, which also produces a pleasing and unique sound profile but leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Despite these differences, both switches offer a tactile experience that is sure to enhance the typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Anubis again uses nylon while the Iron uses POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Anubis continues to contribute to its deep and full sound profile, thanks to its soft and sound-absorbing qualities. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Iron complements its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. The different bottom housing materials of these switches demonstrate how the base of the switch can significantly affect the overall sound and feel when typing.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and TTC Iron switches showcase how different housing materials can impact sound and tactile feedback. While the Anubis with its nylon housing provides a rounder and fuller sound profile, the Iron with its POM housing offers a more muted and deep sound experience. Despite these distinctions, both switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience with unique sound profiles and tactile responses. Whether it be the top or bottom housing, each component plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Iron has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter in comparison. Since the actuation force of the Anubis is not specified, we are unable to provide a direct comparison with the Iron's actuation force of 41 grams. Generally, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or gaming, while a heavier actuation force provides a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Anubis offers a heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Iron provides a lighter touch with a lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and intensity.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Anubis offering a bit more depth to its keystrokes compared to the Iron. Gamers may lean towards the Iron for its slightly quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch produces a distinct clacky sound that adds a crisp and percussive element to each keystroke. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Anubis providing a more versatile option while the Iron delivering a more unique auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as having an accented tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it provides a polished typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the TTC Iron linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, which can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, it is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The decision between the two switches would come down to whether the user prefers a more pronounced tactility or a smoother, effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a neutral sound profile with accented tactile feedback, while the Iron delivers a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so users should consider their individual preferences for sound and feel when choosing between the two. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and deep, resonant sound with every keystroke, the Anubis would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force, smooth travel, and a clacky sound signature, the Iron switch may be more appealing to you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style.