Durock Anubis vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular choices to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Red, a linear switch. The Anubis is renowned 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 Dustproof Red switch is known for its smooth and consistent linear feel. While the Anubis offers a more tactile typing experience, the Dustproof Red switch provides a quieter and smoother keystroke. 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
60g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Dustproof Red, it is evident that the Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing while the Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing. These materials result in contrasting sound profiles, with the nylon of the Anubis providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate of the Dustproof Red creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches further enhances the deep and full sound profile, making typing on switches with nylon bottom housings more consistent in sound and feel.
Despite the differences in top housing materials between the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Dustproof Red, both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing. This consistency in bottom housing material means that the typing experience on these switches will have similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent across both switches, thanks to the use of nylon. However, the top housing materials will play a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with the nylon of the Anubis providing a rounder sound and the polycarbonate of the Dustproof Red offering a more resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Outemu Dustproof Red allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the opaque nylon top housing of the Durock Anubis may not offer the same level of visual interest in terms of lighting effects. Ultimately, while both housing materials have their own unique characteristics and impacts on sound, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Outemu Dustproof Red will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a significantly lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Dustproof Red's 45 grams. On the other hand, the Anubis has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Dustproof Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Dustproof Red requires less force to initiate a keystroke, the Anubis provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences - those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Dustproof Red, while those who enjoy a more tactile and heavier feel may lean towards the Anubis.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Therefore, whether you choose the Anubis or the Dustproof Red, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Red 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, making each keystroke stand out with its pronounced bump. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as having a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet not subtle, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being overly scratchy. Additionally, the switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison based on this criterion.
Considering the available information, the Durock Anubis tactile switch excels in both sound and feel aspects, offering a distinct tactile feedback and a refined typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a deep sound profile and a medium level of tactility that is not too harsh, the Anubis would be a suitable option. However, if you are specifically in need of a linear switch with a focus on dustproofing, the Outemu Dustproof Red may be worth considering despite the lack of information on its sound and feel qualities. Ultimately, the best choice between the two would depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for a sharp tactility and resonant sound profile. If you enjoy a satisfying and intense typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Anubis would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Dustproof Red would be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.