Durock Anubis vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique advantages suited to different preferences. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that intensifies each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch featuring a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Anubis provides a sharp tactility for those looking for intense feedback, the Piano Pro offers a smooth and pleasing tactile experience with its unique sound quality. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature nylon top and bottom housing materials for their switches. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience for users of both keyboards. With similar materials used for both the top and bottom housing, you can expect consistent sound quality and typing feel across the entire keyboard.
While both keyboards share the same nylon housing materials, they may differ in design and construction, leading to potential distinctions in sound and feel. The Anubis and V3 Piano Pro may have variations in the thickness or shape of their housing, influencing the acoustics of the switches when typing. Additionally, differences in the manufacturing process or overall build quality can affect the overall typing experience, even with the same housing materials. Users may find that one keyboard has a more pronounced sound profile or a different tactile feedback compared to the other.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may come down to personal preference in terms of keyboard design, layout, and additional features rather than the housing materials used. Both keyboards offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon top and bottom housing, providing a deep and full sound profile that enhances the overall user experience. Whether you prefer one over the other may depend on factors beyond just the housing materials, such as switch type, keycaps, and overall aesthetics.
Weight
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The actuation force of the Anubis is unknown, whereas the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Piano Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Anubis due to its heavier bottom out force, while individuals who enjoy typing for extended periods may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro with its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Anubis has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference. Gamers might lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for its faster response, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press might opt for the Anubis. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. This switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy and clacky sound signature that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. It also provides a resonant sound profile, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for a more pronounced and deep sound (Anubis) or a snappy and clacky sound (V3 Piano Pro).
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis switch is characterized as accented and polished, offering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming or subtle. The switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy, and its smooth and refined finish ensures a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys on this switch have a lively feel with a silky sensation, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for a more pronounced and smooth tactile experience.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile along with an accented and polished tactile feel, providing a satisfying and assertive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a snappy and clacky sound signature paired with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky tactile feel, offering a lively and buttery typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced and deep sound with a medium tactile feel (Anubis) or a snappy and clacky sound with a bouncy and silky tactile feel (V3 Piano Pro), you can choose the switch that best suits your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility with a deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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