Durock Anubis vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Crystal Brown both offer a tactile typing experience. The Anubis is praised for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is a tactile switch without any standout features but offers a traditional tactile feel. Depending on your preference, you may lean towards the Anubis for its assertive tactility or the Crystal Brown for a more standard typing experience. 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
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Crystal Brown both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic construction. While the Anubis offers a duller and rounder sound, the Crystal Brown delivers a more clear and resonant sound. However, if both switches are used in a situation where RGB lighting is desired, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing may offer a more visually appealing option.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housing materials of the Durock Anubis and Outemu Crystal Brown, both switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that the typing experience is consistent in terms of sound and feel, despite any differences in the top housing material. This consistency may be preferred by some users who value a uniform typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and Outemu Crystal Brown housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile may lean towards the Anubis with its nylon top and bottom housing. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile may opt for the Crystal Brown and its polycarbonate top housing. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Anubis is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 65 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Anubis is not specified. This means that the Anubis may require less force to trigger a keystroke, but will have a heavier feel when fully pressed down compared to the Crystal Brown. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Anubis may be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. However, for those who value a lighter typing experience for longer periods, the Crystal Brown with its lighter actuation force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they both offer a similar tactile experience to the user. Whether you choose the Anubis or the Crystal Brown, you can expect a consistent travel distance when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced bump and a sharp tactility that adds intensity to their typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as having an accented and polished feel. This means that it provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, creating a smooth and refined typing experience. The polished finish of the switch reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, a pronounced bump, and a polished feel, the Durock Anubis may be the right choice for you. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch are unknown, if you prefer similar qualities, the Anubis may provide you with a comparable typing experience. As always, personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a deep, resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump, the Anubis may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and are indifferent towards sound profile, the Crystal Brown with its medium-light bottom-out force may be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you during extended typing sessions.
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