Huano Acacia vs. PH Studio Aniya
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Aniya switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and PH Studio Aniya both present appealing options for typists and gamers alike, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Huano Acacia, celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivers an excellent typing experience right from the start. Its minimal stem wobble enhances precision, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the PH Studio Aniya switch, crafted by BSUN, boasts a pleasing sound profile that strikes a balance between being notably clacky without tipping into excessive loudness, making it suitable for environments where noise control is paramount. With a silky smooth feel thanks to its Ly stem material and a similarly medium-light actuation, the Aniya offers a satisfying tactile experience for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, while both switches excel in their unique ways, each serves a different purpose depending on your priorities—be it smoothness and reliability with the Acacia or auditory pleasure and a lively typing sound with the Aniya. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Aniya switches showcase a contrasting approach to materials used in their construction, particularly evident in their top housings. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that lends to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This translucency also enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it a favored choice for those who value aesthetic appeal alongside sound clarity. In contrast, the Aniya employs a POM top housing, which produces a more muted and unique sound that skews toward a deeper profile. While both materials have distinct acoustic characteristics, they serve different auditory experiences; the Acacia aims for crispness, while the Aniya embraces warmth and depth.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, there is a notable similarity in sound profile characteristics despite differing materials. The Acacia’s nylon bottom housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs vibrations effectively. Conversely, the Aniya features a POM bottom housing, which similarly results in a deeper and muted sound. Both materials contribute to sound absorption and the overall acoustic experience, but they may manifest differently when combined with their respective top housings. The acoustic interplay allows users to experience a distinct sound profile that balances the qualities of both the bottom and top materials.
In summary, while the Huano Acacia and PH Studio Aniya switches utilize different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus POM—they both manage to produce satisfying sound profiles tailored to different preferences. The synergy created by the unique bottom housings pair with each top material, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate a blend of crispness or warmth depending on their choice. Ultimately, both switches exhibit how the distinctive qualities of housing materials can coalesce to deliver varied auditory experiences, showcasing the broader spectrum of personal preference in mechanical keyboards. If one were to experiment with mixing these materials, they could achieve an equally compelling sound signature by carefully selecting ratios of each housing to modulate the resultant acoustic profile.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the PH Studio Aniya linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in comparison. In contrast, the Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This difference indicates that users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience will likely find the Aniya more suitable for extended use. While both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback, the Acacia’s heavier forces may appeal to those seeking a more substantial keypress feel. Overall, the Acacia is heavier compared to the lighter Aniya, offering distinct choices based on personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that when pressed, the Acacia provides a slightly deeper feel compared to the Aniya, making it more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Aniya's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation and less distance to travel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch with a hearty depth, the Huano Acacia would be the better choice, while the PH Studio Aniya caters to those who favor a more responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Aniya has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aniya for $4.20.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its clean and smooth auditory profile, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a less pronounced sound during typing. Although specific descriptors haven't been provided, the combination of its medium-light weight and factory lubrication likely contributes to a more subdued acoustic experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch delivers a notably more vibrant sound profile. With its clacky nature, the Aniya produces sharp and snappy sounds that lean towards a higher pitch. This blend of qualities results in a crisp and bright auditory experience without being overwhelming. Ultimately, while the Acacia offers a quieter sound, the Aniya provides a richer auditory experience, ensuring that users can enjoy satisfying feedback during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, providing a solid typing experience. Though precise descriptors for the Acacia’s tactile sensations are not available, its factory lubrication likely contributes to a smooth keystroke, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Aniya's use of Ly as the stem material ensures a remarkably smooth typing experience, characterized by descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky. The combination of these qualities results in a buttery tactile feel, where fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. Thus, while both switches aspire to offer an enjoyable typing experience, the Aniya leans towards a more luxurious feel due to its innovative material choice.
Considering both switches, the Huano Acacia is ideal for those seeking an understated auditory experience with solid feel due to its design, while the PH Studio Aniya appeals to users who enjoy a pronounced sound and an exceptionally smooth, creamy typing sensation. Each switch caters to different preferences, so users will ultimately find satisfaction based on their unique typing style. If one switch leans toward sound, the other excels in feel, creating a well-rounded selection for newcomers exploring the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the PH Studio Aniya linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more balanced weight, the Acacia's medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, combined with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, provides an excellent typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a stable yet tactile feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter touch, the Aniya's 50-gram actuation coupled with its creamy, polished feel offers a smooth and buttery experience that can enhance your keystrokes. Additionally, its clacky, pronounced sound profile strikes a nice balance, making it suitable for users who appreciate an audible feedback without being overly loud. In essence, if you value a stable and well-lubricated typing experience, go for the Acacia; however, if you prefer a lighter, smoother, and more auditory-centric experience, the Aniya is the better option for you.
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