Durock Anubis vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Duck are both tactile keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Anubis is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump adds a sharp tactility and intensity that is ideal for those seeking an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience. They provide a gentle tactility and their sound profile is clean and crisp. This makes them a great choice for individuals who prefer a softer and more refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Duck differ significantly, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Duck features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Furthermore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the Anubis and the Duck persist. The Anubis employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the Duck incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, giving rise to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate generates a more clear and resonant tone. Additionally, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck, like its top housing, is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Duck's housing materials depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences. If a deeper and fuller sound is preferred, the Anubis with its nylon top and bottom housing will be a suitable option. Conversely, those seeking a sharper and crisper sound can opt for the Duck with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. However, if RGB lighting is a consideration, the polycarbonate housing of the Duck would be more advantageous. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is important to consider weight. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Duck switch may be a better option as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This lighter force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Anubis switch may be preferred. Its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, which can enhance the overall typing experience.
Considering the actuation force is unknown for both switches, it is difficult to determine if there are any significant differences or similarities in this aspect. However, since both switches have similar bottom out forces, it is likely that they would provide similar results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired weight or force of the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar feeling and movement, as they cover the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether using the Anubis or the Duck switch, users can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, and the bump is more pronounced than most other tactile switches. This sharp tactility brings a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience. It has a clean and crispy sound profile that is more gentle compared to the Anubis. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and whether for home or work use. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Anubis offers an accented tactile experience. It falls within the category of a "medium tactile" switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Anubis switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a mild tactile experience. It provides a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Duck switch is also buttery, meaning it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Like the Anubis, the Duck switch is also polished, leading to reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Anubis and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp and assertive tactile feedback. It offers an accented and polished feel, providing a medium level of tactility and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. It has a mild and buttery feel, offering a gentle typing sensation with smooth and fluid keystrokes. While both switches have a neutral sound profile and polished finish, they provide distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the switch that suits their typing style and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a more intense typing experience with a sharp tactility and deep sound profile, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is the choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The pronounced bump in these switches adds a new level of intensity to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the perfect option. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches provide a gentle tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Both switches also offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and SP-Star Duck tactile switches depends on your personal preference for typing intensity and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
