PH Studio Aniya vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aniya switch is praised for its balanced sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke on the Aniya switch is a delight. On the other hand, the Black Lotus switch boasts a silky smooth feel and reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. Its substantial 55g actuation weight provides precision without feeling too heavy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Black Lotus switches both offer unique sound profiles, with POM top housing on the Aniya creating a deep and muted sound, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing on the Black Lotus provides a premium feel. In contrast, the bottom housings differ, with POM on the Aniya similarly creating a pleasing sound, while the nylon bottom housing on the Black Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. Both switches offer a distinctive typing experience based on their housing materials.
While the top housing of the Aniya and Black Lotus switches differ in material, both contribute significantly to the overall sound profile of the switches. The POM top housing on the Aniya creates a unique and deep sound, while the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing on the Black Lotus offers a premium feel. On the other hand, the bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience, with the POM bottom housing on the Aniya and the nylon bottom housing on the Black Lotus both contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
Overall, both the Aniya and Black Lotus switches offer unique and high-quality housing materials that contribute to a distinctive typing experience. While the POM top housing of the Aniya creates a pleasing and muted sound, the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a premium feel. Similarly, the bottom housings of each switch, whether POM or nylon, play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. Both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Black Lotus switch's heavier 55 grams. Similarly, the Aniya switch requires a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Black Lotus switch demands a medium-heavy 63.5 grams. This means that the Aniya switch would feel lighter and easier to press, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Black Lotus switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Black Lotus may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, with the Aniya providing a quicker keystroke and the Black Lotus offering a more deliberate press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 is best known for its clacky sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so we cannot directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches are known for providing a satisfying typing experience, with the Aniya offering a more clacky sound and the Black Lotus focusing on reducing housing and stem wobble for a smoother sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is described as providing a creamy and smooth typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a silky sensation with every keystroke, offering a delightful typing experience. The Black Lotus, on the other hand, is also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth and uniform typing sensation. Both switches aim to reduce friction and provide a seamless typing experience, making them both great options for those looking for a smooth feel while typing.
Overall, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Aniya is known for its clacky sound profile and creamy feel, the Black Lotus focuses on providing a silky smooth typing experience with reduced wobble. Depending on personal preference, users can expect a pleasant auditory and tactile experience with either switch, ensuring that they will get similar satisfying results in terms of typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a more pronounced clacky sound profile with medium-light actuation, the Aniya would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a silky smooth feel with a 55g actuation weight, the Black Lotus might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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