PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound while remaining pleasantly audible. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke on the Aniya is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer stands out with its translucent green design and refreshingly lightweight build. Its stepped tactility provides a subtle feel, different from the continuous curve of round tactility typically seen in tactile switches. While both switches are categorized as 'clacky', they offer different attributes such as creamy and high-pitched sound profiles in the Aniya and easy-to-press actuation in the Beer. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Beer, it is evident that the Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, while the Beer features polycarbonate for both. POM is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, while polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This means that the Aniya will have a more consistent and softer sound compared to the Beer, which will deliver a more distinct and clear sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Beer's housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, giving it an aesthetic edge over the Aniya.
Despite the differences in sound profiles between the two housing materials, both the POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya and the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Beer offer unique benefits. The Aniya's POM housings provide a pleasing and unique sound that is deep and muted, creating a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Beer's polycarbonate housings offer a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This difference in sound profile gives users the option to choose between a softer, more muted typing experience with the Aniya or a louder, more distinct sound with the Beer.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the user experience. With the qualities of POM concentrated in the bottom housing of the Aniya and the characteristics of polycarbonate present in both top and bottom housings of the Beer, users can expect a unique typing feel based on where the material is utilized. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more impacted by the top housing. Ultimately, choosing between the Aniya and the Beer will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a light actuation force. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams. Both switches share a bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that they will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to press the keys all the way down. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, either of these switches would be suitable. However, those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing may find the Aniya to be slightly heavier than the Beer due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel for the user.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers for their quicker response times. The Aniya may offer a slightly quicker feel due to its shorter travel distance, while the Beer might provide a bit more depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and response time.
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 Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 that is sharp and snappy when pressed, with a medium level of volume that ensures a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch also produces a clacky sound, resonating with a characteristic clacky sound signature that adds to its effervescent appeal. While both switches share the clacky sound descriptor, the Aniya may have a slightly higher-pitched tone compared to the Beer, providing a different auditory sensation for the user.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is praised for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances typing comfort. The use of Ly as the stem material in the Aniya switch contributes to its remarkably smooth feel, making each keystroke effortless and pleasant. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch provides a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and post-travel, adding a unique feel to the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Beer provides a refreshing lightweight feel with easy keypresses and stepped tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing style. If a user enjoys a clacky sound profile and a smooth typing experience, they may find similar results with either switch despite their differences in sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a harmonious sound profile that leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, along with a remarkably smooth feel and medium-light actuation, the Aniya may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a refreshing lightweight feel, stepped tactility, and a characteristic clacky sound signature, the Beer may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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