Durock Anubis vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and Jwick Semi-silent Linear offer distinct experiences catered to different preferences. The Anubis is a tactile switch designed with a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. Its pronounced bump adds an intense level of tactility, perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactile response. On the other hand, the Semi-silent Linear is a linear switch that stands out for its innovation. Despite its semi-silent label, it maintains a clacky bottom-out sound while producing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel, without being overly polished, ensures a pleasant typing experience. The Anubis is categorized as accented, neutral, and polished, while the Semi-silent Linear falls under categories like subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have contrasting housing materials that greatly affect the sound profile of these switches. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In comparison, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance in the sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more defined typing experience. These differences in material contribute significantly to the overall sound characteristics of the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Anubis and the Semi-Silent Linear employ nylon as the housing material. Nylon is also known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition and superior sound absorption. Consequently, both switches will offer a similar sound profile and feel when pressed down. This means that users can expect a consistent experience in terms of sound and tactility when comparing the press down action of these switches.
It is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities each material brings to the switch will be divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, when using either the Durock Anubis or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, users will experience a combination of the characteristics imparted by their respective housing materials, resulting in a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we encounter a few differences. The actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare them. However, we can explore the bottom out force to better understand their differences. The Durock Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium category.
Considering weight is an important factor when choosing switches, as it impacts typing comfort and experience. Some users may prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as they reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may prefer switches with heavier forces. Unfortunately, since the actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, we cannot make a direct comparison in this regard.
In summary, the Durock Anubis tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch. While we cannot compare their actuation forces directly, it is likely that they will provide a similar experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Anubis falls within the traditional range of travel distances at 4.0 mm, providing a standard depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.7 mm, making it more suitable for those who prefer a faster response time, such as gamers. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances may feel more abrupt to some individuals who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. It has a more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches, resulting in a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is labeled as "subdued" with a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is described as an "accented" switch, which means it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent level of tactility that is not scratchy, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Anubis switch is also referred to as "polished," indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most typists. The switch is also described as "snappy," thanks to its super responsive nature. This responsiveness is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a lively typing experience. Furthermore, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is also referred to as "buttery" and "polished," signifying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis has a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, providing an intense typing experience. Its feel is accentuated, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound profile, offering a quieter topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its feel is mild and approachable, with snappy responsiveness and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Depending on the user's preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If a user seeks a deep and resonant sound with sharp tactility, the Anubis will be the preferred choice. Alternatively, if a user prefers a quieter sound with a smoother and gentler feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch will be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, the Durock Anubis would be a great choice. It has a more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that brings intensity to every keystroke. Additionally, it has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent linear switch with a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the way to go. It offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. In terms of sound, the Anubis is described as neutral, 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. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, is described as having a subdued sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Anubis is described as having an accented tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, and it provides a smooth typing experience due to its polished finish. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience with snappy and buttery characteristics, and also has a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound, and feel, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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