Durock Anubis vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Anubis and the Durock Lupine. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. It boasts a pronounced bump, making it perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine is a linear switch that stands out for its two-stage long springs. This design ensures a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. The Lupine also produces a classic clacky sound profile. While these general descriptions provide helpful pointers for choosing a switch, let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Durock Lupine differ significantly. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbent nature. In comparison, the Lupine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing is especially advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both materials are classic switch housing options, their distinct properties give rise to varied sound experiences.
Both the Anubis and the Lupine employ nylon for their bottom housings. As a result, both switches offer a similar deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound effect. Consequently, whether you choose the Anubis or the Lupine, you can expect comparable sound experiences during typing. The bottom housing of a switch predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, emphasizing the importance of nylon in the overall sound profile.
The difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches plays a crucial role in the overall sound experience. When pressing down on either the Anubis or the Lupine, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material significantly impacts the sound produced when releasing a keystroke. Therefore, depending on whether you prioritize the sound when pressing or releasing a key, you may prefer the Anubis with its nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound upon release or the Lupine with its polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound effect.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is worth noting that the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, it can be inferred that they likely have similar actuation forces since no distinction is made. Both switches have different bottom out forces, with the Anubis having a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, and the Lupine having a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls within the medium range.
Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find it more comfortable to use switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows for longer typing periods and is especially suitable for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, switches with heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch is unavailable, it can be assumed that they provide similar results in this aspect. The main difference lies in their bottom out forces, with the Anubis being slightly heavier at 65 grams and the Lupine at 62 grams, both falling within the medium range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Anubis with its 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a standard depth that many users are familiar with. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a slightly shallower experience with its 3.7 mm travel distance. This shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers who value faster response times and a more responsive feel when pressing down on the keys. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one desires a faster response or a deeper feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 is known for its deep and resonant sound profile. The sound it produces is satisfying and assertive, with a more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a classic clacky sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile that falls into the neutral category, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is worth noting that the sound of both switches also depends on other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as an accented switch. This means that it provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy. Additionally, the Anubis switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Anubis, the Lupine switch is also polished, ensuring a smooth key travel experience.
In conclusion, the subjective qualities of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Lupine produces a classic clacky sound. In terms of feel, the Anubis provides an accented tactile experience and a polished finish, resulting in a prominent but not overwhelming tactility. The Lupine, on the other hand, offers a milder typing experience and the same polished finish. While both switches have a neutral actuation force requirement, providing a moderate feel, they offer distinct characteristics. Whether you prefer the sharp tactility and deep sound of the Anubis or the gentler typing experience and classic clacky sound of the Lupine, both switches provide their unique qualities for a satisfying keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a satisfying tactile feedback and a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be the optimal choice for you. This switch brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke with its pronounced bump and deep sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement, the Durock Lupine linear switch is the way to go. Its two-stage long springs provide a pleasant typing experience, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile.
When it comes to sound, both switches fall under the neutral category, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Lupine switch offers a high-pitched option to fulfill your preference.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, it features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a milder typing experience that is approachable to most users, while still delivering a polished feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the level of tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience that align with your typing style and preferences.
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