Durock Anubis vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Anubis and the Gazzew U4Tx are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and desirable features. The Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The pronounced bump of the Anubis sets it apart from other tactile switches, offering a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best of both worlds with a cleaner and refined sound profile. It delivers a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Each press on the U4Tx provides a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, resulting in a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Gazzew U4Tx both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, which ultimately affects the overall sound profile of the switches. The Anubis features a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, commonly referred to as "boba plastic". This blend delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both top housings aim to enhance the sound, the Anubis focuses on creating a deeper sound profile, while the Gazzew U4Tx leans towards a rich and full sound.
Moving onto the bottom housing of these switches, the Anubis employs a nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a unified acoustic experience throughout typing. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic". This unique plastic blend offers a softness that enhances the sound profile, resulting in a rich and deep auditory experience. Despite the differences in material choice, both bottom housings work harmoniously to produce a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
It is important to note that while the top and bottom housings play their respective roles in shaping the sound of the switches, they also have distinct impacts. When pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing's qualities come into play, influencing the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing takes effect when releasing a key, affecting the sound during the return motion. Therefore, although the Durock Anubis and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, they offer similar results in terms of enhancing the overall sound profile of the switches, albeit with different nuances.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are several similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, both switches have an unavailable measurement, meaning their exact values are unknown. Therefore, it can be assumed that they have a similar actuation force, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, both the Anubis and the U4Tx have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. This means that when fully pressing the keys, users will experience a relatively substantial typing sensation. However, it is important to note that the weight of a switch can greatly impact one's typing experience.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches, as they allow for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a heavier switch, as it provides a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience.
In this case, since the actuation and bottom out forces are either unavailable or the same for both the Anubis and the U4Tx, it can be concluded that both switches will provide a similar typing experience regarding force requirements. However, it is worth noting that the specific weight of each switch is not provided, so it is unclear whether one is lighter or heavier than the other. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Anubis and the Gazzew U4Tx may come down to personal preference, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Anubis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional length. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Anubis offers a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a hearty depth when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the U4Tx with its shorter travel distance offers a quicker and more responsive feel, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference, with the Anubis offering a longer travel distance and the U4Tx providing a slightly shorter one. Whichever switch is chosen, both will provide similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50.
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. It offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke, making it perfect for those who prefer a sharp tactility that adds intensity to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch marries the best of both worlds by providing a cleaner and refined sound profile. When typing on these switches, you'll experience the deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Both switches offer a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience that is as acoustically pleasing as it is tactile.
In terms of sound, the Durock Anubis can be described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of uses, be it for beginners or advanced users, or for home or work environments. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has a bassy sound profile. It offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the lower frequency range associated with bass tones. Additionally, the U4Tx has a muted sound profile, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis is described as an accented switch. This means it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overly scratchy. Additionally, the Anubis has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a sharp tactile feel. It is known for its high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. Its bump is more pronounced, catering to those who prefer a sharper tactility. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a cleaner and refined sound profile, with a combination of deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, and whisper-quiet topping out. Both switches provide a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While the Anubis is described as accented and polished, the U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile feel. These differences in sound and feel allow users to choose the switch that aligns with their personal preferences. However, it's important to consider other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used, as these can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who appreciates a deep and resonant sound profile with a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback, perfect for those who prefer a more intense typing experience. In terms of sound, the Anubis provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound profile with a luxurious typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the way to go. These switches are designed to provide a mixture of both deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx offers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump with each keypress, ensuring an acoustically pleasing typing experience. In terms of sound, the U4Tx offers a bassy and muted profile, creating a deeper and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Anubis switch is accented and polished, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. With its smooth and refined finish, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress, giving you a distinct and high feedback intensity.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches depends on your preferences. If you enjoy a deep and resonant sound with a sharp tactility, the Anubis switch would be the ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner and refined sound with a luxurious typing experience and a strong tactile bump, the U4Tx switch would be a perfect fit for you. Make your choice based on the sound profile and feel that aligns with your personal typing preferences.
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