Durock Anubis vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to choose from for a personalized typing experience. Two popular switches to consider are the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, combined with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback that elevates every keystroke with a sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, which provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Anubis offers a heightened level of intensity with its pronounced bump, the Piano offers a smoother, frictionless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Durock Piano both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend top housing. Although we do not know the exact details of the POM blend, it is described to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Anubis elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Both housings contribute to creating a round and dull sound when typing on the switches.
In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom of a switch plays a significant role. When pressing down on the Anubis switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing are felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether nylon or the POM blend, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. While the exact details of the POM blend are not disclosed, it is mentioned to provide a uniquely satisfying sound profile for the Piano. Therefore, while these two switches do differ in their materials, they both result in delivering comparable sound experiences, with the top and bottom housings contributing to different aspects of the overall sound profile.
To summarize, the Durock Anubis and the Durock Piano differ in their housing materials. The Anubis utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for both. The nylon housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound. Conversely, the exact details of the POM blend in the Piano are undisclosed, but it is described to offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. However, despite these differences, both switches provide comparable sound experiences, with the top and bottom housing materials influencing different aspects of the typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is important to note that the exact force values for actuation are unknown. However, it can be observed that both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force. This means that when fully pressed, the Anubis requires 65 grams of force, while the Piano requires slightly less at 63.5 grams.
Considering weight in switch selection is crucial for different individuals with varying preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for switches with lower actuation forces, as this allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lightweight feel is particularly ideal for keyboards used in work environments or during extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some users value a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces may be more suitable. Although the specific actuation forces of the Anubis and Piano switches are unavailable, it can be presumed that they are different due to their differing switch types (tactile vs. linear). However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience for those seeking a more robust tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer similar results in terms of bottom out force, providing a medium-heavy keystroke feel. While the actuation forces are unknown for both switches, users can select the Anubis for a potentially lighter typing experience or opt for the Piano to achieve a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, this comparison allows users to consider their preferences and choose the switch that best suits their desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The Durock Anubis tactile switch is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump in these switches is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, resulting in a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is highly regarded for its proprietary material blend, which offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature while typing.
Comparing the sound qualities of these two switches, the Anubis is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound it produces is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for most situations, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you're using the switch at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized as being bassy, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This sound can be likened to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note 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 Anubis switch is described as accented, which means it offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This provides a prominent amount of tactile feedback without being too intense. Additionally, the Anubis switch is also referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. Reduced friction and smooth key travel can be expected with these switches. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It is also described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
To summarize, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, satisfying tactile feedback, accented tactility, and polished finish. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is recognized for its gliding push feel, deep and creamy sound signature, frictionless typing experience, and silky smoothness. While they have distinct qualities, both switches provide unique and pleasant typing experiences. Depending on individual preferences, the Anubis offers a sharper and more intense tactile feedback, while the Piano provides a smoother and more effortless linear typing experience. As an expert, I would recommend considering personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a pronounced tactile feedback, then the Anubis is the way to go. The Anubis offers a satisfying and assertive typing experience, making every keystroke feel intense and powerful.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound, the Piano switch is a great choice. With its proprietary material blend, the Piano switch provides a gliding push feel and a pleasant sound signature, offering a luxurious typing experience.
Consider the sound profiles of both switches as well. The Anubis offers a neutral sound, suitable for various environments and skill levels. The Piano, on the other hand, offers a bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to each key press.
In terms of feel, the Anubis is described as accented and polished, providing a medium level of tactility and a sleek typing experience. Meanwhile, the Piano is frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance.
Overall, whether you choose the Durock Anubis or the Durock Piano, you can expect high-quality switches that enhance your typing experience. It's important to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing intensity to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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