Durock Anubis vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, one popular option is the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch known for its deep and resonant sound profile. These switches offer a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, with a pronounced bump that adds a new level of intensity to every keystroke. Categorized as accented, neutral, and polished, the Anubis switch is perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring might be more suitable. This switch variant features a long, two-staged spring that enhances the tactile experience. Typing on these Shadow switches produces deep and resonating thocks, giving a unique auditory feedback. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, the Shadow Double Spring switch offers a distinct and lively typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ in their housing materials, with the Anubis featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. The choice of housing material significantly affects the sound profile of the switches. The nylon housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Anubis switches. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is relatively stiffer, providing a more clear and resonant sound profile.
Aesthetically, the housing materials differ in terms of transparency. The polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is clear, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The clear housing allows the lighting to shine through, creating visually appealing effects. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Anubis is not transparent, so it does not provide the same opportunities for RGB lighting customization.
Despite their differences, both housing materials offer advantages to the typing experience. The nylon and polycarbonate housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, enhancing the tactile feedback. Although the sound may vary, the quality of the switches remains consistent, providing a satisfying typing experience. The choice between the Anubis and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring ultimately depends on personal preference, with the nylon housing offering a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate housing provides a crisper and more vibrant sound.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housing of the switches. The bottom housing has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, different combinations of housing materials can be experimented with to achieve the desired typing experience. Whether it is the Anubis with its split housing materials or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with uniform polycarbonate housing, users can customize their switches to meet their specific preferences for both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Anubis has an actuation force that is unavailable, leaving us without a specific comparison. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it lighter than the Anubis. The bottom out force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is 63 grams, which is slightly lower than that of the Anubis.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some prefer lighter switches, as they allow for longer typing periods, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. For these individuals, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its lighter actuation force would be a suitable choice. On the contrary, those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Anubis, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, would meet their preferences.
Although the specific actuation force for the Anubis is unknown, the similarities in bottom out forces suggest that both switches may deliver comparable results in terms of the keystroke's depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Anubis leaning towards a heavier feel and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offering a lighter option.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a similar distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback within this 4 mm travel distance, allowing for a satisfying typing experience. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect comparable results in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness when using either switch. Ultimately, whether you choose the Durock Anubis or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can rely on the same level of comfort and accuracy provided by the identical 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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. It has a more pronounced bump than most other tactile switches, resulting in a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a high-pitched sound profile, which is sharp and crisp. Both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience, but in different ways. If you prefer a neutral sound, the Anubis is a suitable choice, while if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a great option.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished. This means that it provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, giving a prominent tactile sensation. Additionally, the Anubis switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. It offers a high feedback intensity with its strong and crisp tactile bump, giving a distinct tactile experience. The longer or dual-staged springs in this switch make it super responsive and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively rebound when pressed. It also has a stepped feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel in the keystroke. Both switches offer a prominent amount of tactility but with different characteristics. If you prefer a smoother and refined feel, the Anubis is a great choice, while if you enjoy a sharper and more responsive tactile experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a good option.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have distinct sound and feel qualities. The Anubis offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced bump and a medium amount of accented and polished tactility. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a strong and crisp tactile bump, and it provides a sharp, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience. However, it is important to note that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also affect the sound profile of the switches. Based on the available information, if you prefer a sharp tactility and intense sound, the Anubis can provide similar results to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, but with a different sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Additionally, the Anubis is described as having a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would suit your preferences. It has a slightly lower bottom out force of 63 grams, but its long, two-staged spring gives it a sharp and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly. Moreover, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is described as accented, snappy, and bouncy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a more pronounced, intense tactile feedback and a deep sound profile, or if you lean towards a medium-high level of tactility, a clacky sound, and a snappier feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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