Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Anubis is a tactile switch known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. It boasts a pronounced bump, ideal for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds an extra level of intensity to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch specifically designed for quieter environments. It offers a cushion-like, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for those who require a quieter typing experience. Both switches possess their own unique qualities and characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can carefully evaluate and select the switch that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound often described as clacky. Therefore, the Anubis's nylon top housing would provide a different typing experience compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Anubis and the Silent Ink Black switches incorporate nylon in their construction. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, pressing down on either switch would provide a similar experience in terms of sound and feel.
When examining the overall impact of the top and bottom housings on the switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. As you press down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the nylon material, will be more pronounced. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is the nylon housing of the Anubis or the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black, will primarily affect the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the Anubis and the Silent Ink Black may differ in their top housing materials and resulting sound profiles, their bottom housings provide a similar typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the specific measurement for the Anubis is unspecified. However, we know that the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Silent Ink Black has a lighter actuation force compared to the Anubis, assuming it falls within the typical range of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is lighter than the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams. Therefore, in terms of bottom out force, the Anubis is the lighter of the two switches.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may find the Silent Ink Black more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. This switch allows for a lighter actuation force, resulting in a more effortless keystroke. Conversely, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, and for them, the heavier actuation force of the Anubis may be preferable. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category for bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience compared to lighter options.
While the Anubis's actuation force remains unspecified, given that it has a similar range to other tactile switches, one can expect comparable results to the Silent Ink Black in terms of actuation. However, it is important to note that the Anubis has a lighter bottom out force than the Silent Ink Black. Therefore, if a user desires a heavier typing experience while still enjoying a lighter actuation force, the Anubis may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 sound profile. With a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback on every keystroke, the Anubis has a more pronounced bump compared to most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility adds a new level of intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed for quieter typing environments. It provides a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch has a muted sound, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It creates a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis offers an accented tactile experience. It falls into the category of a "medium tactile" switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Anubis switch is described as polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like the Anubis, the Silent Ink Black switch is also described as polished, ensuring a refined finish and smooth typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a more intense and assertive tactile feedback with its pronounced bump, while the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on creating a cushiony and quiet typing experience. In terms of sound, the Anubis has a deeper and resonant profile, while the Silent Ink Black has a muted sound that reduces keyboard noise. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding the level of tactility and noise in typing. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, both switches can provide similar results in terms of a polished typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a sharp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback that brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. The Anubis is also known for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a smooth typing experience. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the better choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black also features a polished finish, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound.
Mentioned in this article
