Durock Anubis vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the KTT Laurel, a linear switch - two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its pronounced bump adds an intense level of tactility, perfect for those who seek a sharp tactile experience. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Anubis offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel by KTT boasts a medium-light linear switch design. Featuring a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it strikes a comfortable balance between responsiveness and ease. The Laurel also provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
22m spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and KTT Laurel differ in terms of their housing materials, with the Anubis featuring a nylon top housing and bottom housing, while the Laurel utilizes a POM top housing and bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Anubis provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Laurel creates a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Therefore, when it comes to the sound produced while typing, the Anubis with its nylon top housing will deliver a deeper, fuller sound, while the Laurel with its POM top housing will have a distinct, deeper, and more muted sound.
Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Anubis contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Laurel adds to its unique sound profile, creating a pleasing and muted sound. Thus, while typing on the Anubis, the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Laurel will produce a distinct and relatively muted sound.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the housing materials will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch, depending on whether they are different for a particular switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. Therefore, while the Durock Anubis and KTT Laurel may diverge in their housing materials, the overall sound profile and feel can be expected to exhibit similarities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their respective forces. The Anubis has an actuation force that is not available in grams, while the Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Anubis requires a significantly heavier force of 65 grams compared to the lighter force of 50 grams needed for the Laurel.
Considering weight, there are different preferences among users. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for longer and more comfortable typing sessions, especially for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who enjoy a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, a switch with a heavier actuation force is more suitable.
As for the Anubis and Laurel, the actuation force of the Laurel is lighter, making it a preferable choice for those who prefer a lighter keystroke. Conversely, the Anubis requires a heavier force, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. In situations where both forces are unknown or unavailable, it is reasonable to assume that the results would be similar if the actuation forces were the same.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch has a higher bottom out force and an unknown actuation force, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a lighter actuation force and a lower bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired weight of keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that there is a difference in their measurements. The Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Laurel has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.5 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers, who require faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances like the Laurel. This allows them to quickly press down on the keys and register their actions swiftly. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the Durock Anubis with its longer travel distance would be the suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences - shorter travel distance for speed and responsiveness or longer travel distance for a more satisfying and tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 offers a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump of the Anubis is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, delivering a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel produces a subtly low-pitched sound profile. This means that the Laurel has a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. While the Anubis and Laurel have different sound profiles, the choice of board and keycaps will still play a significant role in the overall sound experience. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of sound by adjusting these external factors.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Anubis is characterized as an accented switch. This means that it falls into the category of a medium tactile switch that provides a significant amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Anubis has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Anubis allow for a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is described as a snappy switch. This indicates that the Laurel is super responsive, likely due to the use of longer or dual-staged springs. The typing experience with the Laurel feels more alive and dynamic. Both the Anubis and Laurel offer unique tactile experiences, with the Anubis providing an accented and polished feel, while the Laurel delivers a snappy and responsive experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and KTT Laurel switches offer distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis presents a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactile feedback, and its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile with a snappy and responsive feel. While their subjective qualities differ, it is important to consider external factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, which can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. By adjusting these factors, you can achieve similar results in sound and feel, allowing you to customize your typing experience to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile and a pronounced bump, the Durock Anubis switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback that brings intensity to every keystroke. Additionally, its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel switch would be more suitable for you. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design strike the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. The Laurel switch is known for its snappy feel, thanks to its super responsive nature, making the typing experience feel more alive.
In conclusion, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch ultimately depends on your preference for the level of tactility and sound profile. If you prefer a pronounced bump and a medium-heavy tactile experience with a deep and resonant sound, go for the Anubis. However, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a subtly low-pitched sound and a snappy feel, the Laurel would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile to make an informed decision between these two switches.
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