Durock Anubis vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Durock Anubis and the Durock Mamba. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. With a more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches, it offers a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Mamba is a linear switch that pays tribute to Kobe Bryant. It offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience. While these general pointers help paint a picture of the switches, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Durock Mamba differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deep and fuller sound when typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, providing a unique sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. This suggests that typing on the Mamba may produce a sharper and more audible sound compared to the Anubis.
In terms of bottom housing, the Anubis utilizes nylon, similar to its top housing. This consistency in housing material ensures a consistent typing experience. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with the Anubis. On the contrary, the Mamba employs a POM bottom housing, which creates a distinct sound profile characterized by its deep and muted qualities. The Mamba's POM bottom housing adds to the uniqueness of its overall sound experience, providing users with a different typing feel compared to the Anubis.
While the top and bottom housings of the Anubis and the Mamba differ, it is important to note that both switches incorporate elements of absorption and muting in their respective sound profiles. The nylon housing of the Anubis absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound output, while the POM bottom housing of the Mamba contributes to a relatively more muted sound. This means that regardless of the specific housing material, both switches are designed to provide users with a typing experience that emphasizes full and deeper tones. However, the Mamba's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing may give it a slight advantage in terms of a brighter sound profile compared to the Anubis.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is important to note that the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, we can still highlight the differences between the two. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mamba has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This lighter bottom out force may be suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is likely that the Durock Anubis tactile switch would require a heavier actuation force compared to the Durock Mamba linear switch due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes it a preferable choice for gamers who value faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. For those who prefer a more hearty depth in their keystrokes, the Anubis with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether one values responsiveness or a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 has a deep and resonant profile, providing a highly satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump is more pronounced compared to most other tactile switches, delivering a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a rich and creamy auditory experience. It produces a gliding typing sensation with a smooth, cream-like sound. Both switches fall into the category of neutral switches, which means they have a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using them at home or work. It's worth noting that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Anubis tactile switch falls into the category of accented switches. These switches offer a medium level of tactility that is not overly intense nor subtle, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback. Additionally, the Anubis switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Mamba switch also falls into the polished category, offering a sleek and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump for a satisfying and intense tactile feedback. Its feel is characterized by a medium level of tactility and a polished finish, providing smooth and refined key travel. The Durock Mamba linear switch, designed as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy sound. It provides a milder typing experience and is also polished for smooth key travel. Overall, these switches provide unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to customize their mechanical keyboard experience. By considering the provided information, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel between the two switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a deeper and resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provides a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Additionally, the Anubis is described as accented, meaning it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch is your best bet. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Mamba offers a neutral typing experience suitable for most intents and purposes. It is also described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience, and polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and Durock Mamba switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can enhance your typing experience.
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