Durock Anubis vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Anubis and the KTT Mint are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile. Its assertive tactile feedback, with a pronounced bump, provides an intense and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Mint is a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience. Its long pole stem creates a poppy thockiness, resulting in a light and fleeting type feel. Both switches are categorized as neutral and polished, ensuring a consistent and sleek design. When choosing between these switches, consider your preference for a sharp tactility with deep sound or a smooth and light typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the KTT Mint differ in their housing materials, with the Anubis featuring a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Mint has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both switches display similar characteristics in terms of creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint offers an advantage with its translucency, which is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Anubis's nylon top housing does not offer this visual perk. However, both the Anubis and the Mint's bottom housings are made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound regardless of the keyboard model.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing material of both switches plays a significant role. While the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, the top housing has more influence on the sound generated when releasing a key. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of the Anubis and the Mint ensures a similar deep and full sound profile upon pressing the switches. However, the difference in their top housings, nylon for the Anubis and polycarbonate for the Mint, affects the sound produced when lifting a finger from the key, with the Anubis providing a duller and rounder sound, and the Mint producing a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Anubis switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine its exact value. However, its bottom out force is stated as 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Mint switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force is 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category.
Considering the weight of the switches is crucial for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions without fatigue. These lighter options are ideal for those who need to use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier actuation force to have a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are more suitable.
In terms of weight, the Anubis switch likely falls on the heavier end due to its medium-heavy bottom out force. This can provide a more significant push feel and a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Conversely, the Mint switch is lighter as it has a lower actuation force and a medium-light bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for smoother and easier keystrokes, perfect for individuals who require a lighter touch.
Overall, while both switches offer their own advantages, the Durock Anubis tactile switch leans towards a heavier force and the KTT Mint linear switch leans towards a lighter force. Consequently, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Anubis switch preferable, while those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Mint switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience. Whether you choose the Durock Anubis or the KTT Mint, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91.
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 switch is best described as having a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. Its pronounced bump adds a sharp tactility that intensifies every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone. It offers a poppy thockiness when typing and has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. So, while the Anubis and Mint have different sound characteristics, you can achieve similar results depending on your keyboard setup.
As for feel, the Durock Anubis switch offers an accented tactile experience. It falls into the category of a medium tactile switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, it is described as polished, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a refined typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild typing experience with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is also described as polished, contributing to a sleek typing experience through reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a comfortable typing experience, catering to different preferences.
Taking all the information into account, the Durock Anubis and KTT Mint switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis has a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump, providing an assertive tactile feedback. It offers an accented and polished feel, delivering a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, with a poppy thockiness and a mild typing experience. It also boasts a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. While these switches differ in their subjective qualities, individuals can achieve similar results depending on their preferred keyboard setup and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are a few key factors to consider when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch. Firstly, if you prefer a sharper tactility and a more intense typing experience, the Anubis would be the better choice for you. Its more pronounced bump and medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provide a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Mint would be more suitable. Its long pole stem contributes to a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel, making it a satisfyingly smooth linear switch.
In terms of sound, the Anubis offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using it at home or at work. It is designed with a deep and resonant sound that adds a level of richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint has a low-pitched sound profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This can create a more relaxed and soothing typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis is described as an accented switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Combined with its polished finish, the Anubis offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint is a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. Like the Anubis, the Mint also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a sharp tactility and intense typing experience, paired with a neutral sound profile, the Anubis would be a great fit for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile, the Mint would be the better choice. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired sound and feel when making your decision.
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