Durock Anubis vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Durock Anubis is well-regarded for its deep and resonant sound profile, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that intensifies every keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch stands out for its neutral sound profile and distinctive bounce from the extended spring, creating a comfortable typing experience at 55g bottom-out. While the Anubis excels in sharp tactility, the Windy Shadow provides a smooth and light keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This results in a more muted and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a better choice for those looking for a more defined typing experience. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, they will still provide a similar deep and full sound due to the material's sound absorption properties.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Aflion Windy Shadow allows for a clear housing that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. This can add a visually appealing element to the switch, making it a popular choice among those who prioritize the look of their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Durock Anubis's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of aesthetic customization, but it still delivers a satisfying typing experience with its softer and more sound-absorbent properties. Both switches provide unique benefits in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Windy Shadow will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the Anubis offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing, the Windy Shadow provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, with the Anubis focusing on a more muted typing experience and the Windy Shadow delivering a more defined and resonant sound. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound or visual customization will dictate which switch is the better fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the Anubis has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Windy Shadow's 55 grams. The actuation force for both switches is unknown. The Anubis provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Windy Shadow offers a lighter typing feel with its medium-light bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Windy Shadow, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, users seeking a more robust and firm key press may lean towards the Anubis for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch. The Anubis offers a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Windy Shadow for its faster actuation. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Anubis feeling more deliberate and the Windy Shadow feeling more immediate. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 offers a deep and resonant profile with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy. Both switches have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various uses, but the Anubis may provide a more assertive and tactile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch is known for its accented and polished tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. While the Anubis may offer a more pronounced tactile feel, the Windy Shadow provides a comfortable and safe middle-ground typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound with an accented and polished tactile feedback, while the Windy Shadow offers a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the more assertive tactility of the Anubis or the gentle feel of the Windy Shadow for their mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches are suitable for various intents and purposes, providing a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a sharp tactility and deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the perfect choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and pronounced bump provide a satisfying and assertive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow could be more suitable. With its medium-light bottom-out force and distinctive bounce from an extended spring, it offers a comfortable and mellow typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
