Aflion Panda vs. PH Studio Aniya
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the PH Studio Aniya switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Aniya offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Aflion Panda is renowned for its hyper-tactile sensation and deep "thocky" sound profile, making it ideal for those who value a responsive tactile force and full-bodied audio feedback. On the other hand, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch provides a harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overly loud, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. While the Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Aniya is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, but diving in deeper beyond generalities will help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Panda and the PH Studio Aniya differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Panda features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Aniya utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique characteristics, the polycarbonate is more translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of bottom housings, the Panda incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Aniya utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasing and unique deeper sound profile. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound of the switches, with the nylon providing a different texture compared to the POM material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Aflion Panda and the PH Studio Aniya play a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Panda's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Aniya's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, both switches use nylon and POM bottom housings to enhance the sound profile, with the nylon offering a fuller sound compared to the POM. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials can greatly impact the feel and acoustics of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force of the Aflion Panda tactile switch is 50 grams, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making the Aniya lighter in this aspect. When it comes to the bottom out force, the Panda requires 60 grams, while the Aniya needs 50 grams, once again making the Aniya the lighter option. The Panda provides a more medium feel while the Aniya offers a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a firmer push may lean towards the Panda, while users looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Aniya for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Panda offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Aniya provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times and may be favored by gamers seeking quick reactions. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference in their measurements can make a significant impact depending on personal preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you value a deeper press or a quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
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.
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 Aflion Panda tactile switch is known for its resonant and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch strikes a balance with a clacky sound profile that is not excessively loud but still offers a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Panda leaning towards a deeper, thocky sound, while the Aniya provides a sharper, clacky sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a hyper-tactile sensation and a super responsive tactile force. This provides a pronounced feedback with a medium to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, with a remarkably smooth feel thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Panda and PH Studio Aniya switches offer different subjective qualities in sound and feel, both provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The Panda excels in hyper-tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, while the Aniya offers a balanced sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and key feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the PH Studio Aniya linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force with a hyper-tactile sensation and deep thocky sound, the Aflion Panda is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a balanced sound profile that leans towards a more clacky tone, the PH Studio Aniya may be better suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
