Durock Anubis vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Anubis and the HMX Xinhai stand out as popular options, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Anubis is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with a deep and resonant sound profile. Its pronounced bump adds intensity to every keystroke, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sharp tactility. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch known for its softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and a POM stem, the Xinhai strikes a balance between subtle sophistication and precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and HMX Xinhai both utilize nylon for their top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. In contrast, while the Anubis uses nylon for its bottom housing as well, the Xinhai opts for polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. The choice of housing material in these switches ultimately affects the sound output and typing experience, with the Anubis offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Xinhai's more clear and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, both the Durock Anubis and HMX Xinhai aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. The nylon top housing in the Anubis contributes to a fuller sound when typing, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Xinhai enhances the overall sound clarity and resonance. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches allows for a deeper and fuller typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
While the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in the Durock Anubis and HMX Xinhai may impact the sound and feel of typing on these switches, both options showcase the importance of housing materials in switch design. Whether you prefer a softer, deeper sound profile with the Anubis or a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Xinhai, both switches offer quality construction and performance. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in enhancing the typing experience, showcasing the importance of materials in keyboard switch design.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Anubis is unknown, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider as it can affect typing comfort and fatigue levels. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Anubis offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Xinhai provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keystroke may opt for the Anubis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to the keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch delivers a unique acoustics profile with a softer sound due to its PA12 top housing and a higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem, resulting in a more subtle and sophisticated auditory experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Anubis being neutral and versatile, while the Xinhai offers a clacky and sharp sound, making them suitable for different auditory tastes depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis provides an accented and polished typing experience, offering a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but noticeable, along with a smooth key travel that reduces friction for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback and a buttery smooth typing experience due to lubrication and specific materials used in the switch. The Anubis focuses on a balanced tactile feel, while the Xinhai emphasizes a lively and smooth sensation, catering to different preferences in typing feedback and texture.
Overall, the Durock Anubis and HMX Xinhai switches provide distinct qualities in both sound and feel, offering a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts to choose from based on their preferences. While the Anubis leans towards a deep and assertive tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile and polished feel, the Xinhai showcases a softer acoustics profile with a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and deep sound profile, the Anubis may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai could be more up your alley. Consider your typing experience and what kind of feel and sound you enjoy the most when making your decision between these two switches. Whether you're a beginner or experienced user, both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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