Durock Anubis vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Anubis switch boasts a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a pronounced and satisfying tactile feedback. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who prefer a sharp tactility that adds a new intensity to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is a linear switch that provides a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing, allowing for maximum customization of RGB lighting, and its lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a delightfully smooth keystroke. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their choice of housing materials. The Anubis utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, while the WS Aurora Clear employs polycarbonate for its top housing and UHWMPE for its bottom housing. These variations in materials result in distinct sound profiles for each switch.
The Anubis, with its nylon top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Anubis elicits a duller and rounder sound, providing a more immersive typing experience. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Anubis relies on nylon, similar to its top housing. This consistency in material ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound experienced when pressing a key. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear incorporates UHWMPE for its bottom housing, which offers a bright sound signature. Typing on switches with UHWMPE bottom housing produces resonant clacks, creating a distinct auditory feedback.
Considering both the top and bottom housings, it is apparent that the materials chosen significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Anubis utilizes nylon for both housings, resulting in a cohesive and immersive sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear splits its materials between the top and bottom. The polycarbonate top housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing adds a bright and resonant element. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is important to note that the Anubis's actuation force is unavailable in grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 53 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Anubis measuring at a medium-heavy 65 grams and the WS Aurora Clear at 63.5 grams.
Considering the weight of a switch is crucial for individuals who value typing comfort over extended periods. Those who prefer a lighter switch might opt for the WS Aurora Clear, as its lower actuation force allows for a lighter touch, perfect for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Anubis, with its higher bottom out force providing a stronger push feeling.
While the specific actuation force of the Anubis may be unavailable, the WS Aurora Clear offers a comparable actuation force of 53 grams, making it a suitable alternative for individuals seeking a lighter switch. In terms of bottom out force, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a similar typing experience in terms of pressure required to fully depress the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch depends on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis might be considered the heavier option, whereas the WS Aurora Clear offers a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Anubis falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a hearty depth that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Anubis offering a deeper feel and the WS Aurora Clear providing a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's desired level of responsiveness and preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $8.00. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Anubis and WS Aurora Clear.
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 offers a deep and resonant profile with a satisfying tactile feedback. The sound produced is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps, the Anubis is more likely to provide a deeper and resonant sound, while the WS Aurora Clear will have a higher pitch.
Now, let's consider the feel of these switches. The Durock Anubis is described as an accented and polished switch, resulting in a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy, providing a sleek typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is characterized as buttery and mild. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Anubis, the WS Aurora Clear also features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Anubis provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a pronounced tactile feedback and a medium level of tactility. It is perfect for those who prefer a sharp and intense typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, providing a buttery and mild sensation. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between the Anubis for a more intense tactile experience or the WS Aurora Clear for a smoother and gentle typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump, the Durock Anubis would be a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams provides a medium actuation force requirement that is suitable for most purposes. Additionally, the Anubis is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a similar medium-heavy actuation force requirement. The WS Aurora Clear is known for its buttery and mild feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is approachable to most. Additionally, its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for maximum RGB lighting customization.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. Consider whether you prefer a sharp tactility and a deep sound profile or a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Both switches offer polished finishes, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. Choose the one that aligns with your desired sound and feel to enhance your overall typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the perfect switch that brings joy and satisfaction to your mechanical keyboard journey.