PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya and HMX Blue Topaz are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages for users. The Aniya is known for its balanced sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke is a delight for users. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing effortless. The distinctive glitter in its housing adds a visual appeal, while the clacky sound signature complements the overall typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths, with the Aniya focusing on a more pronounced sound profile and smooth feel, while the Blue Topaz emphasizes ease of pressing and visual appeal. However, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Blue Topaz both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the Aniya features POM housing for both the top and bottom, the Blue Topaz utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POM housing in the Aniya creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Blue Topaz produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in the Blue Topaz elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Aniya.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Blue Topaz allows for translucency which is beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This adds a visual element to the switch that may appeal to users looking to customize their keyboards. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Aniya does not offer this feature, maintaining a more traditional look. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and visual customization options.
When it comes to typing experience, the bottom housing material of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the POM bottom housing of the Aniya will contribute to the deeper and muted sound profile experienced when pressing down on the keys, while the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Topaz will result in a fuller and rounder sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Topaz will influence the sharp and crisp sound heard when lifting the keys, while the POM top housing of the Aniya will maintain a more subdued sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a fairly light actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz is slightly lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience without requiring a significant amount of force to register keystrokes. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing sessions or gaming may find either of these switches suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times, while the Blue Topaz's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 known for its clacky profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a pleasant auditory experience to the typing session. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch also offers a clacky sound, emphasizing a crisp and bright sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches share a similar clacky sound profile, ensuring that users will get comparable results in terms of sound when using either switch.
Moving on to the feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is praised for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. In contrast, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press feature, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. While the Aniya focuses on delivering a silky typing experience, the Blue Topaz prioritizes an effortless and comfortable typing feel with its light actuation force. Despite their differences in feel, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, offering users the option to choose based on their preference for typing feel.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Aniya offers a clacky sound profile coupled with a creamy and polished feel, while the Blue Topaz delivers a similar clacky sound along with an easy-to-press feature for a lightweight and effortless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, enthusiasts can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing setup and enjoy a customized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you are seeking a keyboard switch with a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a smooth feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Aniya offers a pleasant auditory experience with its medium-light actuation and harmonious sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch would be the perfect fit for you. The Blue Topaz provides a breezy typing experience with its easy-to-press keys, making each keystroke effortless and comfortable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so your decision should be based on your sound and feel preferences when typing.
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