Durock Anubis vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options worth considering are the Durock Anubis and the Durock Sea Glass. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, delivering a sharp tactility that adds an intense level of satisfaction to typing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is a linear switch that stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors and distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in the typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a surprising weightlessness, defying expectations with their frictionless nature. Additionally, typing on Sea Glass switches produces a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and Durock Sea Glass both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics and results in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, offering a sound profile that is described as pleasant, not particularly sharp, but slightly brighter. While both switches utilize nylon in their top housings, the Anubis is more likely to produce a deeper sound, while the Sea Glass leans towards a brighter tone.
Furthermore, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Anubis uses nylon in its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. As a softer plastic, the nylon in the bottom housing absorbs sound and creates a dull and round sound when the switch is bottomed out. On the other hand, the Sea Glass incorporates a unique polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing. This blend results in a sound profile that is deemed pleasant, but not particularly sharp. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whereas the top housing of a switch has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, the material used in the bottom housing plays a role in the overall typing experience.
While there are differences in the housing materials between the Durock Anubis and Durock Sea Glass switches, they also share similarities. Both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material, in their top housings. As a result, typing on both switches will elicit a sound profile with some similarities. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a fuller and deeper sound, creating a unique typing experience on both switches. Additionally, the bottom housing materials of both switches are designed to enhance the sound and feel when bottoming out the keys. Overall, despite some distinctions, the Anubis and Sea Glass switches offer similar results due to the utilization of nylon in their top housings and their focus on optimizing the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, unfortunately, the specific grams for the Anubis are not provided, making a direct comparison impossible. However, the Sea Glass has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, which suggests a lighter touch is needed to trigger a keystroke compared to the Anubis.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Anubis has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This indicates that users seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Anubis to be preferable, as it requires a stronger pushing force when fully pressing down the key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a slightly lower bottom out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium. This implies that it offers a moderately weighted typing experience, potentially appealing to individuals who prefer a balance between lightness and firmness.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may lean towards lighter switches like the Sea Glass. The lighter actuation force of 45 grams can allow for longer typing sessions without causing strain, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who appreciate a more substantial typing sensation may opt for the Anubis, as its higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.
In summary, while the actuation force for the Durock Anubis is unknown, the Sea Glass linear switch offers a lighter touch with its 45-gram actuation force. The Anubis, on the other hand, boasts a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Sea Glass has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for typing experiences – those favoring lightness may gravitate towards the Sea Glass, while users seeking a more substantial feel may find the Anubis to be the better option.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more standard option. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Glass may be the better choice with its slightly shorter distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, the Anubis with its 4 mm travel distance may provide a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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. This switch offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, thanks to its pronounced bump. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more prominent tactile experience. The sound produced by the Anubis is described as neutral, with a moderate profile suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch stands out for its captivating pastel colors and distinct dry, wispiness, and airiness when typing. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch possesses a weightlessness that defies expectations, offering a frictionless typing experience. Typing on the Sea Glass switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. Unfortunately, detailed information about the sound of the Sea Glass switch is unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished. Accented tactile switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This makes the Anubis a great choice for those who desire a medium level of tactility. Additionally, the polished finish of the Anubis switch ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The switch's feathery characteristic means it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Sea Glass switch is also easy to press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. Overall, these qualities enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, prominent tactility, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch showcases captivating pastel colors, a distinct dry and wispiness typing experience, frictionless feel, and a unique hollow sound signature. Although specific information about the sound of the Sea Glass switch is unknown, it is safe to say that it provides a different sound experience from the Anubis. However, both switches offer their own unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a satisfying tactile feedback, the Durock Anubis is the way to go. With its pronounced bump, it offers a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the better choice. Despite its medium bottom out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations and offers a unique hollow sound signature. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Anubis and Sea Glass switches depends on your preference for tactility and typing feel.
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