PH Studio Aniya vs. Kailh Berry
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Kailh Berry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch are both popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya switch, manufactured by BSUN, boasts a harmonious balance in sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound that is not overwhelmingly loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. It features a smooth feel with a medium-light actuation, making every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry switch offers a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile. While the Aniya switch is known for its creamy and polished qualities, the Berry switch is praised for its textured and bassy attributes. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Kailh Berry both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Aniya features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Berry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Berry is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aniya again utilizes POM material for a similar deep and muted sound profile, while the Berry opts for a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Berry creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the softer POM material, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya and the Kailh Berry ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Aniya offers a consistent deep and muted sound throughout, the Berry provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and brighter sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch both offer a smooth keystroke experience, but they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, the Berry switch has an undisclosed actuation force, but a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Depending on individual preferences, some users may lean towards the Aniya for its lighter touch, while others may opt for the Berry for a more tactile and robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Berry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya switch. In terms of typing or gaming experience, the Aniya might feel more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Berry switch with its longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio's Aniya linear switch offers a clacky and moderately high-pitched sound profile that is crisp and percussive without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a deep and low-pitched sound that may appeal to those looking for a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Aniya leaning towards a brighter sound while the Berry offers a richer, deeper tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aniya switch is known for its creamy and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. This is attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material, which enhances the overall smoothness of the switch. In contrast, the Kailh Berry switch is described as having a chalk-like texture when typing, giving it a more tactile and springy feel. However, some users may prefer a smoother typing experience, making the Aniya a better choice for those who prioritize silky keypresses over textured feedback.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Aniya switch would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, low-pitched sound with a textured feedback, the Kailh Berry switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth and medium-light actuation, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture and deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
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