Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Smoothie, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing experience. The Durock Anubis is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a deep and resonant sound profile, offering a strong tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch made of all-POM material, known for its thocky sound signature, smooth keystrokes, and lightweight touch. While the Anubis is categorized as 'Accented', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Smoothie is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own unique features and qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Smoothie have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer a similar depth in sound, the nylon top housing of the Anubis may provide a rounder sound compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Anubis and the Smoothie feature nylon and POM materials respectively. Nylon's properties create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic, while POM produces a pleasing and unique sound that is also on the deeper side and more muted. The differences in these housing materials can affect the overall typing experience, with the Anubis potentially offering a duller and rounder sound with its nylon bottom housing compared to the Smoothie's POM bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on a keyboard. While the Anubis and the Smoothie share similarities in terms of depth and richness of sound, the differences in the material properties of nylon and POM can result in variations in the overall typing experience. Whether it be the softer, more absorbing properties of nylon or the unique sound qualities of POM, both housing materials offer their own benefits that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams while its bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Anubis may require a heavier initial push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Smoothie, which potentially offers a lighter actuation feel. In terms of weight, the Anubis is considered medium-heavy due to its 65-gram bottom out force, while the Smoothie's weight is undetermined. The variation in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Anubis providing a more substantial typing experience and the Smoothie potentially offering a lighter typing feel for more extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Anubis provides a bit more travel, offering a deeper key press feel compared to the slightly shallower travel of the Smoothie. While both switches fall within the traditional travel distance range, the Anubis may appeal more to those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses, while the Smoothie may be favored by those who prefer a quicker response time with a slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style, as both can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature, characterized by a deep and rich tone that results in a "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. The low-pitched and subdued nature of the Smoothie's sound contrasts with the more neutral sound of the Anubis, giving users a choice between a sharper tactile feedback or a smoother, bass-heavy sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Anubis switch offers an accented tactile experience, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering but still noticeable. Additionally, the switch features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. This difference in feel gives users the option between a more pronounced tactility with a polished finish or a buttery smooth typing sensation with the Smoothie switch.
In conclusion, while the Durock Anubis tactile switch excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile with a prominent tactile feedback, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature and a smooth, buttery feel for a seamless typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the sharp tactility and polished finish of the Anubis switch or the smooth, low-pitched sound and buttery typing sensation of the Smoothie switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a more pronounced bump and deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lightweight linear switch with a thocky sound signature, the Smoothie could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing feel you find most enjoyable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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