Durock Anubis vs. TKC Kiwi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the TKC Kiwi are two popular options to consider. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile. With a more pronounced bump than most other tactile switches, it offers a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Kiwi is also a tactile switch, but its design focuses on enhancing the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It delivers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile for a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Durock Anubis and the TKC Kiwi have different housing materials for their top and bottom housing components. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Anubis and Kiwi also differ. The Anubis employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's overall sound profile. The softness of the nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which is a newer material that produces a very bright sound signature. This material offers a different typing experience with resonant clacks when pressing the switches.

Due to the differences in housing materials, the Anubis and Kiwi switches will provide distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Anubis, with its nylon top and bottom housing, will give a deeper and fuller sound when pressed down on and released. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housing will result in a bright sound with resonant clacks during typing. These variations in sound and feel highlight the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall switch performance. Therefore, the Durock Anubis and TKC Kiwi will offer contrasting results in terms of sound and typing experience, presenting users with a choice to suit their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Anubis switch does not provide the specific measurement, while the Kiwi switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis. On the other hand, both switches have a bottom out force in the medium-heavy range, with the Anubis measuring at 65 grams and the Kiwi at 67 grams. This indicates that both switches provide a relatively similar level of resistance when fully pressed.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. For individuals who prefer a lighter feel, the lower actuation force of the Kiwi switch may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force. In this case, the specific actuation force of the Anubis switch is unavailable, but its bottom out force of 65 grams falls in the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying level of resistance for users seeking a stronger push feel. Overall, while the Anubis and Kiwi switches have slight differences in their actuation forces, they both offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of weight and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in similar tactile feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying keystroke with their identical travel distances, making them suitable options for users who prefer a consistent typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis switch offers a deep and resonant profile. This means that each keystroke will produce a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, with a more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile that creates a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Anubis has a sharper sound, the Kiwi provides a snappy and immersive typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch falls within the category of an accented switch. It offers a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The TKC Kiwi switch, on the other hand, is a stepped switch. This means that it provides a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Similar to the Anubis, the Kiwi switch is also accented and polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the information provided, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have notable differences in sound and feel. The Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced bump and an accented and polished feel. In contrast, the Kiwi provides a low-pitched sound with a medium-strong bump and a stepped, accented, and polished feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactility and intense sound, the Anubis would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a mellow sound and a mild tactile experience, the Kiwi would be a better option. Keep in mind that personal preferences, keyboard setup, and keycap selection can also impact the overall typing experience with these switches.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile right out of the box, the TKC Kiwi switches are a great choice. These switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Kiwi switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making them versatile for use at home or work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced and intense tactility, the Durock Anubis switches are the way to go. The Anubis switches offer a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. With a deep and resonant sound profile, they provide a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. The Anubis switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes.

In terms of feel, both switches have accented switches that provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, they both feature polished switches that result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The only difference lies in the Kiwi's stepped switch design, which adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and TKC Kiwi switches boils down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a medium to medium-strong bump with a smooth and snappy typing experience, go for the TKC Kiwi switches. However, if you're seeking a sharper and more intense tactility with a deep and resonant sound, the Durock Anubis switches are the better option. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer great typing experiences and are suitable for a wide range of users.

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