Durock Anubis vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Anubis tactile switch is designed to provide a deep and resonant sound profile along with a satisfying tactile feedback, making every keystroke feel assertive and intense. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a lightning-fast actuation with a short travel distance, accompanied by a thocky sound, smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Anubis is perfect for those who prefer a pronounced bump and sharp tactility, the Smoothie Silver is ideal for users seeking a fast and smooth typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Durock Anubis and Gateron Smoothie Silver both use different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Anubis featuring nylon for both, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both components. Both nylon and POM are known for creating deeper and fuller sound profiles, but while nylon absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound, POM produces a more unique and muted sound. This means that typing on switches with either material will result in a pleasant auditory experience, just with slightly different characteristics.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press. With the Anubis's nylon bottom housing and the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and more muted sound profile when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the overall typing experience may be similar between the Anubis and Smoothie Silver, the specific sound during key press and release may vary slightly due to the differences in their housing materials.
Both the Durock Anubis and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer users a unique typing experience thanks to their choice of housing materials. With nylon providing a softer and more absorbing quality for the Anubis, users can enjoy a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Alternatively, the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a different yet equally pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Ultimately, whether you choose the Anubis or Smoothie Silver, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Anubis has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Anubis is unknown, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable. Conversely, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Anubis with its heavier bottom out force would be the better choice. Ultimately, determining the ideal switch depends 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 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Anubis. The difference may seem slight, but for some users, even a fraction of a millimeter can make a difference in the typing or gaming experience. The Anubis with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, while the Smoothie Silver is likely to offer a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. The bump is more pronounced, providing a sharp tactility that intensifies every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Depending on your preference, the Anubis provides a more intense and tactile auditory experience compared to the Smoothie Silver's smooth and light sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Anubis is characterized as accented and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver remains unknown. However, given its short travel distance and smoothness, it likely provides a fast and seamless typing experience with a light touch.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a deep and resonant sound profile with intense tactile feedback, while also prioritizing a polished and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is perfect for users looking for a smooth and light sound with lightning-fast actuation and unparalleled smoothness. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a sharp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Anubis would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force, lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver would be the better option. Consider your typing style, preferences, and needs to determine which switch aligns best with your desired typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
