Durock Anubis vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

The Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Yanyu are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Anubis is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate a deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. Its pronounced bump sets it apart from other tactile switches, delivering a sharp tactility that adds intensity to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch that offers a more delicate typing experience, making it ideal for individuals who spend long periods of time typing. The Yanyu's material blend creates a crisp sound profile, and its characteristics, such as being neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished, contribute to a more subtle and refined typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your personal preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Housing materials

The Durock Anubis and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their housing materials. The Anubis utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, when typing on switches with nylon housing, a duller and rounder sound is created. On the other hand, the Yanyu's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which offers a unique sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Anubis also incorporates nylon as its material of choice. Similarly to the top housing, nylon's softer nature allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This unique blend creates a sound profile that is described as pleasant and not particularly sharp, leaning towards the brighter side.

Although the housing materials differ between the Anubis and the Yanyu, both switches share the characteristic of utilizing nylon in their construction. Therefore, it can be expected that there will be similarities in the sound profiles produced by these switches. Typing on either switch will likely elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. However, the specific blend of materials used in the Yanyu's housing may result in a slightly brighter sound compared to the Anubis. It is also worth noting that the impact and sound when releasing a key may be influenced more by the top housing, while the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. Firstly, the actuation force of both switches is unknown, making it difficult to compare them directly. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Durock Anubis requires a heavier force of 65 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel.

Weight, in terms of actuation and bottom out force, is an important factor to consider. A lighter switch allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, a heavier switch provides a stronger push feel, giving a more substantial typing experience.

Despite the differences in bottom out force, both switches have an unknown actuation force. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare them in this aspect. However, it can be assumed that a lighter bottom out force in the SP-Star Yanyu may suggest a similar trend in actuation force.

In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a lighter bottom out force, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, but it can be assumed that the trend seen in the bottom out force may extend to the actuation force as well.

Travel distance

The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback when pressed down on a key. With either switch, users can expect a smooth and responsive typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Anubis tactile switch is best known for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump in these switches is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, providing a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or for extended periods of typing. The Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile. While the sound profiles of both switches are described as neutral, the Yanyu also has a thocky sound when pressed, producing a deep and satisfying sound.

In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis tactile switch is accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. Similar to the Anubis, the Yanyu also has a subtle and polished feel, maintaining a light typing feel and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback. It has an accented feel with a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. It has a mild and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue, and also maintains a subtle and polished typing feel. While both switches have a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, each switch offers unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Anubis and the Yanyu depends on personal preferences for sound and typing experience. However, if you prefer a similar result, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences suitable for most intents and purposes.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactility, the Durock Anubis is the perfect choice for you. With its deep and resonant sound profile, it offers a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more delicate and comfortable typing experience, especially for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the way to go. With its light bottom out force and feathery feel, it reduces finger fatigue and provides a gentle typing experience. Both switches have a smooth and refined finish due to their polished construction, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a sharp and intense tactile experience or a gentle and comfortable typing feel.

Mentioned in this article