PH Studio Aniya vs. Dareu Aqua
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Aqua switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Aqua linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aniya, known for its harmonious sound profile that strikes a balance between clacky and creamy, provides a smooth feel with a medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, offering a chirpy and clacky sound signature for those who prefer a lighter touch. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Aqua delivers a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky sounds. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Aqua both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Aniya featuring POM top and bottom housings, and the Aqua utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted, while the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Aqua offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Aniya, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dareu Aqua allows for a translucent appearance that is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile when compared to the POM housing of the Aniya. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Aqua creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, contrasting with the deeper sound profile offered by the POM bottom housing of the Aniya. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize creating a unique and pleasing sound experience for users.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall feel of typing. While the Aniya and the Aqua offer contrasting housing materials in their top and bottom housings, each material brings its own qualities to the switch. The split between the top and bottom housing allows users to experience different sound profiles when pressing down on a key versus releasing it, highlighting the impact that each housing material has on the overall typing experience. Whether it be the deep and muted sound of POM in the Aniya or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Aqua, both switches aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Dareu Aqua linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams of force while the Aqua's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Aniya is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Aqua. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Conversely, those looking for a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Aqua switch, especially if it has a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua. A 3.2 mm travel distance is considered on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred option for those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming. On the other hand, the Aqua's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth and may feel more comfortable for those who prefer a more traditional key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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 PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a clacky sound profile with a medium volume level that is not overwhelmingly loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Aqua linear switch presents a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch. While the Aniya leans more towards a pronounced clacky sound, the Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, resulting in a distinctive sound experience for users. Depending on personal preference, one may favor the sharper and more percussive sound of the Aniya or the chirpy and unique sound of the Aqua.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its creamy and smooth typing experience, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material. This material choice results in a remarkably smooth feel with a medium-light actuation force, making every keystroke enjoyable. On the contrary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. The light actuation force of the Aqua switch reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing feel, ideal for extended typing sessions. Depending on individual typing preferences, one may prefer the silky smoothness of the Aniya or the effortless and low-impact feel of the Aqua.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Aqua linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya provides a clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, while the Aqua offers a chirpy sound with an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. Both switches have unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a sharper and more pronounced sound profile or a lighter touch with minimal resistance during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Aqua linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature with a super light actuation force, the Aqua switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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