Durock Anubis vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the Kailh Sage. The Anubis is a tactile switch known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. With a pronounced bump, it provides a sharp tactility that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicky typing experience. It is known for its heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. Both switches have their unique qualities, with the Anubis providing a prominent tactile experience and the Sage offering a satisfying clicky typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Durock Anubis and the Kailh Sage have contrasting housing materials. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sage has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage allows for a translucent appearance, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.

In terms of bottom housings, both the Anubis and the Sage utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses.

However, it is important to note that the impact on sound when releasing a key differs between the two switches due to their top housings. The Anubis's nylon top housing will have more influence on the sound when a key is let go, eliciting a softer and deeper sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage will produce a crisper and higher-pitched sound upon key release. This distinction highlights how the choice of top housing material can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the specific actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, it is noteworthy that the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category, while the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, also considered medium-heavy.

Considering the weight of the switches, it becomes apparent that some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force to enhance their typing experience during long periods of use. This lighter actuation force can be ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions.

On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may find the heavier actuation force appealing, as it provides a more tactile and satisfying sensation while typing. This option is suitable for those who prioritize a robust and pronounced keystroke.

Although the specific actuation forces are unknown, it can be inferred that both the Anubis and the Sage switches yield similar results in terms of actuation force due to their categorization as medium-heavy switches. This means that users can expect a comparable level of resistance when triggering keystrokes.

In summary, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch demonstrate similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. While the actuation forces are unavailable, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams (medium-heavy), whereas the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams (medium-heavy). These differences in force allow users to choose between a lighter typing experience or a more substantial and tactile feel, depending on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Anubis, with its 4 mm travel distance, falls within the range of traditional travel distances, providing a familiar and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a slightly shallower key press, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. It is worth noting, however, that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt to certain individuals. Therefore, if you prefer a more hearty depth when pressing down on the keys, the Anubis with its longer travel distance might be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis switch is best described as having a deep and resonant sound profile. This means that when you press the key, you will hear a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump is more pronounced compared to other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that adds an intense level of satisfaction to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is known for its distinct clicky typing experience. The sound produced is described as "crunchy," reminiscent of stepping on crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It provides a refreshing sharp clickiness that some users find appealing. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as your keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis switch is described as having an accented tactile feel. This means that it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent bump that can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubrication, reducing friction and providing a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is known for its invigorating feel. It offers pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The tactile bump of the Sage switch is sharp and crisp, providing a high intensity of tactile feedback with each keypress.

In conclusion, the Durock Anubis and Kailh Sage switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp and intense tactility. It has a medium tactile feel that is accented, and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a distinct crunchy sound and an invigorating feel. It has a sharp tactile bump and provides pronounced feedback. While these switches have contrasting characteristics, both can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing preferences. If you value a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a sharp tactility, the Anubis is a great choice. Its more pronounced bump brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Sage switch is a solid option.

In terms of sound, the Anubis offers a neutral sound profile that is 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. The Sage, on the other hand, provides a crunchy sound similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves, which can add to the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Its polished finish also ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.

In the end, both switches have their unique qualities and it is important to consider your individual preferences when making a decision. Whether you prioritize a sharp tactility and deep sound profile, or a distinct clicky experience with a crunchy sound, both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch can offer a satisfying typing experience.

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