Durock Anubis vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump offers a sharp tactility, adding a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the MX Black boasts Cherry's mastery with its classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile that users are familiar with. It offers a low-pitched and stiff experience, making it a reliable option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Black both utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials. This shared characteristic contributes to a similar typing experience when using these switches. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This means that both the Anubis and MX Black switches will produce a duller and rounder sound when typing. Additionally, the softer nature of nylon creates a more cushioned feel when pressing down on the switches, providing a comfortable typing experience.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Anubis and MX Black switches may differ in their overall sound profile and typing feel due to the potential variations between their top and bottom housings. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more prominent in these switches. Thus, if the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Consequently, the sound produced when releasing a key may be influenced more by the top housing, while the sense of impact when pressing down on a key will be influenced by the bottom housing.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and Cherry MX Black switches share the use of nylon as their housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience. With the ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, both switches provide a pleasant and satisfying auditory feedback. However, the potential differences in their top and bottom housings may impact the overall sound profile and typing feel, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences. The Anubis has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the MX Black's 60 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Anubis requires 65 grams, which falls in the range of medium-heavy. In contrast, the MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavy switch.
Considering weight, the Anubis is lighter in terms of actuation force, assuming it is lighter than 60 grams, while the MX Black requires a slightly higher force. This lighter actuation force of the Anubis can be advantageous for those who prefer typing or gaming for longer durations, as it reduces the strain on their fingers. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the MX Black provides a more substantial and firm push feel, resulting in a more robust typing experience.
In terms of bottoming out, the Anubis requires 65 grams, which is consistent with its medium-heavy designation. The MX Black, on the other hand, has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a stronger and more forceful bottoming out sensation. For users who enjoy a more pronounced feeling when pressing the keys, the MX Black's heavier bottom out force would be a suitable choice.
While the actuation force of the Anubis is unknown, it is evident that it offers a lighter experience compared to the MX Black switch. However, it is important to note that each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter and easier keystroke operation or a heavier and more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile experience, with a notable travel distance that allows for comfortable typing or gaming. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Anubis or the Cherry MX Black, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00.
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 is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile. This switch offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, and the bump is more pronounced compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its deep sound profile, which provides a familiar typing experience. It is described as having a low-pitched tone, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used. Therefore, the overall sound experience may vary depending on these additional variables.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch offers an accented tactile experience. This means that it provides a noticeable amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or too subtle. It falls into the category of "medium tactile" switches and is not scratchy in nature. Additionally, the Anubis switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is characterized as textured, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Furthermore, the MX Black switch is also considered stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that users will need to apply more force when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, comparing the subjective qualities of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we can see that they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy intense feedback. It offers a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, and has a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound with a textured feel, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to typing. It is also characterized as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may influence the overall experience. Both switches have their own merits and users should consider their personal typing preferences and needs before making a decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a smooth, textured feel, the MX Black might be more suitable. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches provide a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile. Additionally, the MX Black has a low-pitched sound profile, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a deep and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump or a smooth and textured typing experience, both switches have their unique qualities to offer. Consider your preferences and usage requirements to make an informed decision.
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