Durock Anubis vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Phalaenopsis 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 and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. If you prefer a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to your typing experience, the pronounced bump of the Anubis is perfect for you. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis stands out with its beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, the Phalaenopsis ensures a delightful keystroke experience with a discernible bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of their housing materials. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Nylon is described as a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Anubis and Phalaenopsis differ, the impact they have on the overall sound profile is split between the two. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the contrary, the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, while the Durock Anubis and the KTT Phalaenopsis feature contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings, they both serve to enhance the sound profile of the switches in their own unique ways.
In terms of sound characteristics, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Durock Anubis induce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the KTT Phalaenopsis create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relative stiffness promotes a clear and resonant sound experience. While the two switch models offer distinct sound qualities, both can deliver satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
Despite their differences, the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Anubis and Phalaenopsis serve similar purposes. Nylon and polycarbonate are selected for their impact on the sound profile of the switches. Whether it is the Anubis's nylon or the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate, both materials contribute to the overall sound experience by adjusting its depth, clarity, and tone. Therefore, while the specific characteristics may differ, the ultimate goal of enhancing the auditory aspect of typing is shared by both the Durock Anubis and the KTT Phalaenopsis.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are several notable differences. The actuation force of the Anubis switch is unavailable, which means we do not have concrete information on the exact force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, indicating a relatively light touch to register a keypress. The bottom out force of the Anubis switch is 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter compared to the Anubis switch.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. Alternatively, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. In this scenario, the Anubis switch would likely cater to their preference, as it offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the Phalaenopsis switch.
While the actuation force of the Anubis switch is unknown, and therefore cannot be directly compared to the Phalaenopsis switch, the Phalaenopsis switch with its light actuation force of 37 grams may provide a similar typing experience to the Anubis switch if one prefers a lighter touch. Overall, the Anubis switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Phalaenopsis switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users can expect to feel the same distance traveled regardless of which switch they are using. As a result, whether selecting the Anubis or Phalaenopsis, individuals will obtain similar results in terms of the tactile feedback experienced when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, and the bump is more pronounced compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a bassy sound profile, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, both switches provide unique sound experiences, with the Anubis offering a more assertive tactile feedback while the Phalaenopsis delivers a deeper and richer sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch, offering a satisfying level of tactile feedback without being too intense. Additionally, the Anubis switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a sleek feel when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as a stepped switch. This means it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It provides a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. Overall, the Anubis switch offers a well-balanced and polished feel, while the Phalaenopsis switch provides a more gentle and stepped tactile experience.
Based on the available information, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Anubis has a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump, providing an intense tactile experience. It also offers an accented and polished feel, striking a balance between tactility and smoothness. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has a bassy sound profile with a discernible tactile bump. Its stepped feel adds a mild tactility with a unique two-stage keystroke experience. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and individual typing styles when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is the one for you. With its deep and resonant sound profile, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. Additionally, the Anubis is described as having an accented feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The Phalaenopsis tactile switch, on the other hand, has a light bottom out force and is designed to minimize finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. It offers a discernible tactile bump and a beautiful translucent appearance. The Phalaenopsis is also known for its bassy sound profile, which adds a deep and rich tone to each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the Anubis and Phalaenopsis will depend on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and desired level of tactility.
Mentioned in this article
