Durock Anubis vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. Both switches have distinct qualities that make them appealing in their own right. The Anubis is a tactile switch that stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. It boasts a pronounced bump, perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds an extra level of intensity to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is a linear switch that offers a bouncy typing experience. With a clean and clacky sound profile, it suits those who enjoy a more lively and energetic feel while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Anubis Tactile

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$8.00 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Polaris Gray have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Anubis again has a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer plastic allows for more clarity and resonance in the sound produced.

Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Anubis and Polaris Gray greatly impacts the sound profiles of these switches. Nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, if both switches have the same housing material for the top and bottom, such as both being nylon or polycarbonate, the results will be similar. The differences in sound and feel will primarily come from the bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound, and the top housing, which impacts the sound when releasing a key. Additionally, if RGB lighting is a consideration, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for the top housing to showcase the lighting effects.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it's important to consider their weight. The Anubis has an actuation force that is not specified, while the Polaris Gray also has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is within the medium-heavy range.

Weight can be a deciding factor for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. Lighter switches allow for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue, which is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some people prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, choosing switches with heavier forces would be more appropriate.

In terms of actuation force, since the specific grams are unknown for both switches, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it can be assumed that since both switches have a similar bottom out force, the actuation force may also yield similar results.

Overall, the Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Polaris Gray can be considered to have similar characteristics in terms of weight and bottom out force. However, due to the unknown actuation force, it is challenging to make a precise comparison in that aspect.

Travel distance

The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 distance of travel. The 4 mm distance is the amount the switch moves from the top position to the bottom, and it is the distance you can physically feel when typing. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience and result in a consistent travel distance for the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, thanks to the more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a clean and clacky sound profile. It is described as low-pitched, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Anubis is neutral in terms of sound, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Similarly, the Polaris Gray is also described as neutral, making it versatile for various usage scenarios. Additionally, the Polaris Gray is considered to have a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.

In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This medium tactile switch offers a satisfying feel with a refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. It is also described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined surface, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It is a gentle switch with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Like the Anubis, the Polaris Gray switch is also polished, providing reduced friction and a smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing feel.

Based on the available information, the Durock Anubis tactile switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump, offering a sharp tactility that intensifies every keystroke. Its accented and polished design delivers a refined and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile with a low-pitched and thocky characteristic. It provides a mild tactile experience and a polished finish for smooth key travel. While they have distinct subjective qualities, both switches offer unique and satisfying experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. By considering these descriptions and the subjective qualities that align with your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a pronounced bump for intense tactility, the Durock Anubis switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, they offer a medium-heavy feel that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using them at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches would be the ideal option. These linear switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them medium-heavy as well. Additionally, they provide a low-pitched sound, along with a polished finish for a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Anubis tactile switches and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Anubis Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more