PH Studio Aniya vs. Everglide Aqua King (V3)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its harmonious sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound, offers a pleasant auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. The smooth feel and medium-light actuation of the Ly stem material make typing on this switch a delight. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch provides a frictionless typing experience that feels akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. With a subdued yet creamy feel, this switch offers a polished and silky typing experience. While each switch has its unique qualities, such as the Aniya's clacky sound profile and the Aqua King's frictionless feel, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing the best switch for your mechanical keyboard. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) both have unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The POM housing of the Aniya creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Aqua King (V3) produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
While the POM top housing of the Aniya and the polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King (V3) may have different sound profiles, they both offer distinct advantages. The POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate housing produces a crisper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Both housing materials have their own strengths that cater to different preferences and functionalities.
When comparing the bottom housings, the POM bottom housing of the Aniya and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) bring their own unique characteristics to the switch. The POM housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel and sound of the switch when pressed, showcasing the importance of choosing the right material for each component of the switch design.
Weight
In comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Aqua King (V3) switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya switch requires 50 grams, while the Aqua King (V3) switch demands 62 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the Aniya switch provides a lighter typing experience, which can be preferable for those who type for extended periods, while the Aqua King (V3) offers a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Aqua King (V3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya's 3.2 mm travel distance offers a quicker and more responsive keypress, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the Aqua King (V3)'s 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper and more traditional keypress feel, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and speed of response.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium level of loudness, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch produces a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a quieter typing experience. Both switches excel in providing different sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound levels.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aniya linear switch provides a remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, with a medium-light actuation making each keystroke feel luxurious. Similarly, the Aqua King (V3) linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a premium typing experience. Whether you prefer a more clacky sound with a creamy feel or a subdued sound with a frictionless feel, both switches cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound levels and typing feel, but rest assured that you will receive a high-quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a smooth, medium-light actuation, the Aniya may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, more subdued sound with a frictionless and silky typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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