Durock Anubis vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The Anubis is revered for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. With a more pronounced bump than other tactile switches, the Anubis provides a sharp tactility that brings a heightened level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but with the key feature of operating silently. This switch offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs, with the Anubis being categorized as 'Accented', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', while the MX Silent Red is described as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Overall, both the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches utilize nylon as their housing material, giving them a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon material in both switches is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing sound. This characteristic makes the switches quieter compared to harder plastic housing materials, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
However, where the switches may differ is in the design and construction of their top and bottom housings. The Anubis features nylon top and bottom housings, meaning that both aspects contribute to the typing experience. This design allows for a more balanced sound profile, as both the press-down and release sounds are influenced by the nylon material. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches also have nylon top and bottom housings, but it is unclear if one housing has a more significant impact on the overall sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches both offer a softer typing experience, thanks to the use of nylon. This material choice results in a switch that is quieter, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Whether you choose the Anubis or the Cherry MX Silent Red, you can expect a typing experience that is smooth, quiet, and immersive, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of the nylon housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Anubis has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch for quicker typing, and a bottom out force that is unknown. The Anubis offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the MX Silent Red provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Anubis. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Anubis being on the longer end and the MX Silent Red being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the MX Silent Red for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial press may opt for the Durock Anubis with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant, and users may find similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced bump with every key press. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is designed to provide a significantly quieter typing experience, perfect for noise-sensitive environments with its muted and low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, catering to different preferences depending on the desired level of sound feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed which can be preferred by some users for a more tactile sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of key feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a significantly quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile and textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, the Anubis is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no bottom out force and a significantly quieter sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the better option. In terms of sound, the Anubis offers a neutral experience suitable for most purposes, while the MX Silent Red provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Anubis offers an accented and polished typing experience, while the MX Silent Red has a textured feel that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences for your ultimate typing experience.
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