Durock Anubis vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Anubis and the SP-Star RedBlue are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer different advantages and experiences to users. The Anubis is a tactile switch, designed with a deep and resonant sound profile, and offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump provides a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the RedBlue is a linear switch that is particularly suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. It has a higher-pitched sound profile and falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'.
Choosing between these switches depends on personal preferences. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump and a deep sound profile, the Durock Anubis might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light touch and a higher-pitched sound, the SP-Star RedBlue could be more suitable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly matches your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the SP-Star RedBlue both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the RedBlue is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it is transparent and allows for better illumination.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the Anubis employs a nylon material that contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. As with the top housing, nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a dull and round sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic produces a clearer and more resonant sound in comparison. Moreover, the transparent nature of the polycarbonate material is favorable for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
To summarize, the choice of housing materials for the Durock Anubis and SP-Star RedBlue significantly impacts their sound profiles. While the Anubis's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the RedBlue's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the transparent quality of the polycarbonate material is particularly advantageous for those who desire RGB lighting. However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities associated with each housing material will be divided between the bottom-out and the release sound and feel when pressing down and letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, both switches have an unavailable actuation force. This means that the exact force needed to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both switches. However, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the RedBlue has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is categorized as medium-light.
Considering weight as a factor, the lighter weight of the RedBlue switch may be favored by individuals who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable use. This is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards regularly at work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For these individuals, the Anubis switch's heavier bottom out force may be more appealing.
In terms of actuation force, since the exact values are unavailable for both switches, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, based on the available information, it can be deduced that both switches require a similar force for actuation. Due to the absence of specific data, it is difficult to ascertain whether the actuation forces of these switches are indeed identical, but it can be expected that users will achieve similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke.
In summary, while the Durock Anubis tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force compared to the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, the actuation forces of both switches remain unknown. The lighter weight of the RedBlue switch may appeal to users looking for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Anubis switch's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. Without specific actuation force details, it can be assumed that both switches offer similar results in terms of keystroke activation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience and feel. In the case of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Therefore, whether one chooses the Anubis or the RedBlue, they can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. However, it is worth noting that the specific feel and performance of these switches may differ due to their respective tactile and linear characteristics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump of the Anubis switch is more pronounced compared to most other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that intensifies the typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is particularly suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. It has a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, which gives a different auditory sensation compared to the Anubis switch.
When it comes to sound, the Anubis switch can be described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they intend to use the switches at home or work. The RedBlue switch, on the other hand, is low-pitched, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, it is also described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is not solely determined by its design, but can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is accented, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This means it offers a prominent level of tactility without being scratchy. Additionally, the switch is polished, resulting in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users. Like the Anubis switch, it is also polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp tactility and accented feel. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch offers a medium-light typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and a mild feel. Both switches are neutral in terms of actuation force and sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of users and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep and resonant sound profile, then the Durock Anubis is the perfect choice for you. With its sharp tactility and satisfying feedback, it brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound profile, then the SP-Star RedBlue switch is the ideal option. It offers a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for both sound and feel.
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