Durock Anubis vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Durock Anubis is a tactile switch and is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. The pronounced bump in these switches offers a sharp tactility, bringing a new level of intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is a linear switch and is favored for its buttery smooth keystroke feel. With a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a crisp and responsive feel. They also offer a neutral sound profile. Both switches have a polished design and are sure to enhance any typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, for both the top and bottom housings, are made of nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon housing materials. Both the Anubis and the WS Onion will provide similar results in terms of sound profile and feel, as they utilize the same nylon material in their housing.
However, there is a significant difference between the two switches when it comes to their top housing materials. The Anubis features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Onion utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear housing of the WS Onion, being made from polycarbonate, also makes it more ideal for use with RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission. In contrast, the Anubis's polycarbonate top housing will offer a different sound experience, with a more distinct and resonant sound profile.
Regarding the impact on the sound and feel of the switch, the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on either the Anubis or the WS Onion switch, you will feel the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. The top housing, on the other hand, has more of an impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the bottom and top housing materials may vary between the two switches, the overall feel and sound experience for both will still have similarities due to the shared use of nylon in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is important to consider weight as a determining factor. In terms of actuation force, both switches have an unknown gram measurement. This means that it is difficult to directly compare them in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Durock Anubis has a slightly heavier force of 65 grams, while the WS Onion has a slightly lighter force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Onion linear switch might be the preferred choice, as its lower bottom out force allows for smoother and potentially faster typing. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who engage in long typing sessions, such as those who use their keyboards for work or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Some individuals prefer this stronger push feel as it can provide a tactile feedback and a sense of precision while typing. This heavier weight might be preferred by those who prioritize a satisfying and deliberate keystroke.
In conclusion, while the actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, the Durock Anubis has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the WS Onion. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
The Durock Anubis tactile switch is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its more pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, offering a sharp tactility that adds an extra level of intensity to each key press. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. When using these WS Onion switches, users can expect a crisp and responsive feel, accompanied by a neutral sound profile.
Both switches have a similar neutral sound profile, which means they produce a moderate sound during typing. This makes them suitable for various scenarios, whether you are a beginner or an advanced typist, and whether you intend to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Anubis offers an accented tactile experience. It falls into the category of medium tactile switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Anubis switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is described as buttery in terms of feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Anubis, the WS Onion switch is also polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer their own unique qualities. The Anubis excels in its deep and resonant sound profile, along with its distinct and assertive tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp responsiveness. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and are polished for a sleek typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound profile, along with a sharp tactility that brings intensity to every keystroke, then the Durock Anubis would be a great choice for you. The Anubis offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. Its accented feel ensures a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, while the polished finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a crisp and responsive feel. The polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing contribute to the smooth and fluid typing experience, while the polished finish ensures reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation.
Both switches have a neutral sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or planning to use them at home or work. Ultimately, choosing between the Durock Anubis and the Wuque Studio WS Onion depends on your preference for specific sound and feel characteristics. Consider your desired level of tactility and the type of typing experience you are looking for when making your decision. In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.