Durock Anubis vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Cold Plum 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 Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch. The Anubis is praised for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Cold Plum by Outemu offers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, thanks to its fully nylon construction. While the Anubis offers a sharp tactility, the Cold Plum provides a distinct and enjoyable typing feel for enthusiasts. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 housing materials of both the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Cold Plum switches are made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with this material. This similarity in housing materials ensures that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
While both the Anubis and the Cold Plum feature nylon top and bottom housings, the distribution of the housing material's qualities differs between the two switches. The bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the housing material can affect the overall typing experience depending on whether the top or bottom housing has a greater influence on the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch.
Overall, the nylon housing material used in both the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Cold Plum switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by users. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. Whether it is the bottom or top housing that has a greater impact on the typing experience, the similarities in housing material ensure that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback when using either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, one can see that there are some differences between the two. The Anubis has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is a light switch in terms of initial press weight, while it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams, slightly lighter than the Anubis, and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is also medium-heavy. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience due to their medium-heavy bottom out forces, but the Cold Plum requires a slightly lighter initial press compared to the Anubis. Overall, those who prefer a lighter initial press might lean towards the Cold Plum, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force might opt for the Anubis for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is clear that the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Anubis at 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Anubis offering a slightly longer press. Gamers may find the Cold Plum more appealing for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance based on individual typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10.
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 deep and resonant profile with a pronounced bump for a satisfying and assertive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a unique and enjoyable typing feel. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharp tactility or a smooth typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming and providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch's feel is not specified in the information provided. However, considering it is a linear switch, it is likely to offer a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, the feel of these switches will greatly impact your typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and assertive sound with a prominent tactile bump, along with a medium level of tactility and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a thocky sound profile and likely a smooth linear feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality features that cater to different typing preferences, so you can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a sharp and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump and a deep resonant sound profile, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.