Durock Anubis vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for typists. The Anubis is a tactile switch known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump than other switches. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Anubis is categorized as 'Accented', 'Neutral', and 'Polished', the Vanilla Ice Cream is described as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences in 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their materials. The Anubis boasts a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic composition. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing, resulting in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they each cater to a specific preference for typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Durock Anubis also features a nylon material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and impact resistance. While the Anubis prioritizes sound characteristics with its bottom housing material, the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on enhancing the overall typing experience with a smooth and durable bottom housing. These differences showcase how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly influence the feel and sound of a switch.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials. While the Anubis focuses on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile with both its top and bottom nylon housings, the Vanilla Ice Cream aims to provide a clacky and smooth typing experience with its proprietary top housing blend and POK bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize the quality and feel of typing, catering to various preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the Anubis and the Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and durability in a mechanical switch.
Weight
While both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch are popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts, they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Anubis does not specify a specific grams requirement, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams. Therefore, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Anubis. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may prefer the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Anubis has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm of the Vanilla Ice Cream. The Anubis offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more robust feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a traditional travel distance range, with Anubis being the longer option and Vanilla Ice Cream being the shorter option. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 provides a deep and resonant profile that offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a pronounced bump, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from the competition. The Anubis offers a neutral sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound experience. Ultimately, the choice of sound between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Anubis is characterized by an accented and polished typing experience, offering a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming and a smooth key travel for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that effortlessly glides across the keys. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel or a seamless and uniform typing sensation, both switches offer a distinct feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump and a polished typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature and a buttery, creamy feel that is smooth and effortless. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference, typing style, and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider your preference for the level of tactility and sound profile that best suits your typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a deep resonant sound, the Anubis switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and creamier typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific feel and sound you desire in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience to the fullest extent.