Durock Anubis vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 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 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfyingly assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience with a unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Anubis is great for those who prefer a sharp tactility, the Lightning Silver V3 excels in providing a smooth typing experience with added visual flair. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that the Anubis utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the Lightning Silver V3 incorporates polycarbonate for both components. The use of nylon in the Anubis results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition. This contrast in material properties leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of these switches.
Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the housing materials also differs between the two switches. The Anubis, with its nylon housing, may have a more subdued look compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate housing, which offers translucency that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. While both materials serve their respective functions in providing structural support for the switches, their visual impact on the overall appearance of the keyboard setup cannot be overlooked. Whether a user prefers a more traditional look or a modern, illuminated design may influence their choice between the two switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on the Durock Anubis and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The split between the top and bottom housing of a switch allows for a balance in the qualities each material brings, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Therefore, while the nylon and polycarbonate housings may produce distinct sound profiles, the overall typing experience may ultimately be comparable between the two switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we can see that the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. However, the actuation force of the Anubis is listed as None grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Lightning Silver V3 requires a lighter initial force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier feel may prefer the Anubis. Both switches offer a medium level of resistance, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 3.4 mm. The Anubis offers a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize faster response times and a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, with the Anubis catering to those who prefer a deeper key press and the Lightning Silver V3 appealing to individuals seeking a quicker and more responsive typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the appropriate travel distance will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience that is desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 deep and resonant profile with a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying and assertive feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience. While the Anubis is more neutral in its sound profile, suitable for various purposes, the Lightning Silver V3 has a crisp and bright sound signature, ideal for those who prefer a more percussive sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming nor subtle, with a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing feel. On the contrary, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is known for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Anubis focusing on a balanced tactility and the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizing a silky smooth feel.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Anubis excels in providing a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a more assertive typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, coupled with a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. Whether you prefer a more intense tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup to suit your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile and a pronounced bump for a more intense typing experience, the Durock Anubis would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, as well as a smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the better option. Consider your preference for sound profile and typing feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure you select the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience significantly.
Mentioned in this article
