Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Luciola 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 Gateron Luciola. While both switches offer their own unique qualities, they cater to different preferences and priorities. The Anubis is well-known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump adds an intensity to the typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, making it a visually appealing choice. It offers a medium heft, delivering a smooth and bouncy typing feel. In terms of sound, the Luciola produces a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" hollow sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch that suits your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Gateron Luciola have different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Luciola employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom.
In terms of sound profile, the Anubis's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced by the Anubis switches is often described as duller and rounder. On the other hand, the Luciola's INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While not overly sharp, it delivers a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize the same nylon material. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel produced by both the Anubis and the Luciola will have similar qualities. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper bottom-out sound. This provides a consistent experience regardless of which switch is used.
While the top and bottom housings of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Luciola differ in material composition, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Anubis's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when releasing a key, while the Luciola's INK blend top housing produces a pointed and clacky sound. However, since both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the bottom-out sound remains consistent. So, depending on personal preference, users can choose between a deeper and rounder sound with the Anubis or a thinner and clackier sound with the Luciola.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Anubis has an unavailable measurement for its actuation force, while the Luciola requires 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Anubis is heavier at 65 grams, while the Luciola is slightly lighter at 60 grams.
Weight is an important consideration for keyboard users. Those who prefer a lighter weight may opt for the Luciola, as it requires less force for actuation. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, some users may prefer a more substantial typing experience, and for them, the Anubis may be a better choice due to its heavier actuation force. This heavier force can provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches fall within the medium range. The Anubis has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Luciola has a slightly lighter medium bottom out force of 60 grams.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Luciola linear switch. However, both switches provide a medium-level experience when it comes to bottoming out. Therefore, if one is seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a suitable choice.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have different travel distances. The Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Anubis has a slightly longer distance that you will feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Luciola. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Luciola would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and more substantial feel, the Anubis with its longer travel distance would be a better option. It is important to consider your personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. The bump is more pronounced compared to other tactile switches, which is perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch produces a unique sound profile. Described as a "hollow can of spray paint being shaken," these switches offer a distinctive and possibly more subtle sound experience. If you prefer a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force, the Anubis would be a better choice. However, if you are looking for a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound, the Luciola can provide a variety of options depending on your preference.
In terms of feel, the Anubis is characterized as an accented tactile switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It offers a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Luciola offers a buttery and polished feel with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. These switches are known for their snappy response and super responsiveness, which may be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs. Both switches offer a polished finish and smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and Gateron Luciola switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a deeper, resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those seeking a sharp tactility and satisfying feedback. It offers an accented and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature and offers a variety of sound profiles to choose from, such as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. The Luciola offers a buttery, polished feel and ensures a snappy and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you prefer a sharp tactility and deep sound, go for the Anubis. If you want a variety of sound options and a snappy, buttery feel, the Luciola is a great choice. However, keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump, bringing a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a unique sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a good option. These switches have a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a hollow sound profile akin to a can of spray paint being shaken.
In terms of sound, the Anubis is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Luciola offers various sound profiles including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. So if you enjoy a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, the Luciola will be more to your liking.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis is described as accented and polished, providing a balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Luciola, on the other hand, is snappy, buttery, and also polished, offering a super responsive and smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and Gateron Luciola switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a sharp tactile feedback and medium-heavy bottom out force, go for the Anubis. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force, unique sound profiles, and a smooth typing experience, the Luciola is the way to go. Consider your priorities and preferences before making a decision.
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