Durock Anubis vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and Cherry Nixie offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is a tactile switch that stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The pronounced bump in this switch offers a sharp tactility that intensifies the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience. With updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update, these switches seamlessly blend tradition with modern innovation, offering a smooth and low-pitched typing experience. Overall, choosing between the Anubis and Nixie ultimately depends on your preference for either sharp tactility or smooth typing, but 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Cherry Nixie both feature nylon top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made from this material. This is due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Anubis and Nixie switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel, thanks to their nylon housing.
However, despite both switches utilizing nylon for their housing materials, there may still be subtle differences in sound and feel between the Durock Anubis and the Cherry Nixie. This could be attributed to variations in the manufacturing process or slight design differences between the two switches, leading to nuanced differences in sound and typing experience. While both switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon housing, there may be factors unique to each switch that impact the overall typing sensation.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Cherry Nixie may come down to personal preference and specific typing preferences. Both switches excel in providing a deep and full sound profile, thanks to their nylon housing materials. Whether one switch offers a slightly softer or rounder sound compared to the other may be subjective and may require personal testing to determine. In the end, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, the Anubis has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Nixie's 63.5 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Anubis requires 65 grams, while the Nixie needs 80 grams, making the Nixie the heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer sessions, the Anubis may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Nixie switch for a stronger push sensation. Overall, both switches offer different levels of force required for actuation and bottoming out, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, users can expect a consistent and similar tactile feedback and keypress experience from either switch due to their identical travel distances. The 4 mm travel distance provides a moderate amount of key travel, striking a balance between the longer travel of some switches and the shorter travel of others. Overall, whether using the Anubis or the Nixie, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a more neutral and moderate sound profile, suitable for a variety of settings and users. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and satisfying typing experience. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Anubis switch provides an accented and polished tactile experience, offering a medium level of tactility without being overly scratchy. The Cherry Nixie switch, on the other hand, is known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the smoother and refined typing experience offered by the Anubis switch, while others may enjoy the textured feel of the Nixie switch.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a sharper tactile feedback with a moderate sound profile, aiming to bring intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Nixie switch combines tradition with modern innovation, offering a substantial typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Anubis may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force with a thocky, low-pitched sound profile and a textured typing experience, the Nixie could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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