Durock Anubis vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown are both popular choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Anubis boasts a deep and resonant sound profile, providing users with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, especially due to its more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the MX Brown is known for its subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Anubis brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke, the MX Brown offers a more textured and bassy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown both use nylon as their top and bottom housing materials. This choice of material brings similar qualities to both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown produce a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the Anubis or the MX Brown, users can expect a similar sound quality when pressing down on the keys.
While the top and bottom housings of the Anubis and the MX Brown are both made of nylon, they may differ in their impact on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Anubis or the MX Brown, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. Therefore, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will play a significant role in determining the tactile feedback and overall sensation when typing on these switches. On the other hand, the top housing, also made of nylon, will primarily affect the sound produced when a key is released. This means that the nylon top housing contributes to providing a distinct sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate.
In terms of housing materials, the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown share similar characteristics due to their use of nylon. Both switches benefit from the absorbing qualities of nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users. While the top and bottom housings may have slightly different impacts on the sound and feel of the switches, the use of nylon in both components ensures that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality. Whether it's the Anubis or the MX Brown, users will enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a rich, deep sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it becomes evident that they have different weight preferences. The Anubis is heavier in terms of bottom out force, requiring 65 grams of pressure to fully depress the keys. Conversely, the MX Brown is lighter in this aspect, with a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. However, the actuation force of the Anubis is unavailable, while the MX Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke.
Weight plays a crucial role in the preference of individuals using these switches. Those seeking a lighter experience may opt for the MX Brown, allowing them to type for extended periods, particularly suitable for work or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Anubis, as its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel. This can enhance the tactile feedback and deliver a satisfying typing experience.
While the specifics of the Anubis's actuation force are unknown, individuals favoring a heavier actuation force might find it appealing, based on the switch's medium-heavy bottom out force. Similarly, those who appreciate a lighter actuation force will discover similarity in the MX Brown, as it requires a lesser force to trigger a keystroke.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches vary in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis excels in its heavier bottom out force, potentially appealing to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a lighter bottom out force, suitable for prolonged typing sessions. Despite the unknown actuation force of the Anubis, one can draw parallels between the two switches based on their respective bottom out forces to attain comparable results.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switches are both 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key. The distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both models, ensuring consistent tactile feedback and key response. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a 4 mm travel distance, both the Anubis and the MX Brown will provide you with the desired level of keypress depth.
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 Brown 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
The Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump in these switches is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is best described as subtle. It offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback.
When it comes to sound, the Anubis has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using it at home or work. The MX Brown, on the other hand, has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. It offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it a medium tactile switch. The switch also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Anubis and Cherry MX Brown switches offer different subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound with a sharp tactility and a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a subtle and subdued sound with a lighter tactility and a textured typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as sound preferences, desired tactility, and typing feel when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a deep and resonant sound profile, providing an intense and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Anubis switches are described as accented and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with noticeable tactility.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a more subtle tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a better fit. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The MX Brown switches are described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Brown switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a more intense typing experience with a sharp tactility, go for the Anubis. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a more subtle tactile feedback, go for the MX Brown. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactility when making your decision.
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