Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Oil King (V2) 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 Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. The Anubis is widely recognized for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. With a more pronounced bump compared to other tactile switches, the Anubis delivers a sharp tactility that elevates the intensity of typing. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its smooth and buttery feel, accompanied by a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. Offering a low-pitched, creamy sensation, the Oil King is often described as silky and bassy. While these general descriptions provide an initial understanding of each switch, let's delve deeper into their features and nuances, so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Oil King both feature a nylon top housing. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound experience when using either switch, with a deeper and fuller sound elicited from the nylon top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Anubis utilizes nylon, while the Oil King features Gateron's proprietary INK blend. The Anubis's nylon bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed. Conversely, the Oil King's INK blend bottom housing brings a distinctive sound profile described as pointed and relatively high-pitched, without being overly sharp. This results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. Therefore, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel when bottoming out the key.
In summary, both the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Oil King share a nylon top housing that enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the bottom housing materials differ, with the Anubis featuring nylon and the Oil King utilizing Gateron's INK blend. This difference leads to distinctive sound profiles, with the Anubis offering a deeper sound when bottoming out and the Oil King providing a pointed and high-pitched clacky sound. Users can choose between these switches based on their preferred sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Anubis switch does not provide an exact value, while the Oil King requires a force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which places them in the medium-heavy range.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing switches. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may find it more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This lighter feel is ideal for keyboards intended for work or gaming. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel to enhance their typing experience. They may find a heavier actuation force more satisfying and substantial.
In terms of actuation force, the Oil King switch is lighter than the Anubis switch. With an actuation force of 55 grams, it provides a slightly lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches require the same force of 65 grams. Therefore, if the goal is to achieve a similar result in terms of bottom out force, both switches would provide a comparable experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance in terms of switch travel. Both switches offer a consistent and reliable tactile response, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience. It's worth noting that the travel distance is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of your keyboard. Thankfully, with the Anubis and Oil King switches, you can expect similar results in terms of switch 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50.
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 profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. The bump is more pronounced compared to most other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, giving a rich and soothing sound during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis switch provides an accented tactile experience. It falls under the category of a medium tactile switch, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is achieved either through the materials used or factory lubing, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience. These switches are known for their buttery smoothness, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. Like the Anubis, the Oil King switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile feedback, offering an intense typing experience. It has an accented and polished feel, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Oil King switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience. It offers a rich and soothing sound during key presses, and its polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. While they offer different qualities, both switches provide satisfying subjective experiences. If you prefer a deep and resonant sound with sharp tactility, the Anubis is a great choice. If you prefer a low-pitched sound with a creamy and smooth typing experience, the Oil King switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a sharp tactility and a deep sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The pronounced bump adds a new level of intensity to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a perfect fit. With the same bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a sound profile reminiscent of a snapping dark chocolate bar. The creamy, silky, and polished feel of these switches ensure a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for either sharp tactility and deep sound or smoothness and buttery feel.
Mentioned in this article
