PH Studio Aniya vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the ideal fit for your typing style. The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonious balance, featuring a pleasant yet distinctive clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the senses. Its smooth actuation is supported by a medium-light force, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a buttery feel as they type. On the other hand, the Akko Botany switch stands out with its crisp and lively clacky sound, delivering immediate satisfaction right out of the box. While the Aniya appeals to users seeking a polished and creamy touch, the Botany provides an energetic response that can enliven any typing session. Ultimately, both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Akko Botany both utilize distinct housing materials that play a crucial role in shaping their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Aniya features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing sound. The sound profile of the Aniya is characterized by deeper and more muted tones, thanks to the rigid properties of the POM material which contributes to a clean and defined sound signature. In contrast, the Akko Botany employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller audio experience. While both switches aim for a deep sound, the mechanism and material responsible for this difference showcase the nuances between the two designs.
When comparing the housing materials, it's evident that the feel and sound production during keypresses differ between the Aniya and the Botany. While the POM housing in the Aniya creates a more defined sound signature, the nylon in the Botany allows for a softer impact that is less jarring to the ear. The specificities of each material's contribution can significantly affect the user experience; for instance, the POM creates an articulation at key release that may be less pronounced in the Botany due to the sound-dampening qualities of nylon. Conversely, the Botany's ability to foster a fuller sound due to its softer material may appeal to users who prefer a sound profile that is less pronounced during both descent and release of the switch.
Despite their differences, both switch designs offer a satisfying typing experience, rooted in the unique qualities of their housing materials. Users who enjoy the deeper sound profile of both switches may find satisfaction in the Aniya's POM and the Botany's nylon, albeit delivered in different manners. Ultimately, if the goals are similar—producing a deep sound—the POM used in the Aniya may accomplish this with a clear, more mechanical resonance, whereas the nylon from the Botany achieves it through a naturally muted absorption effect. The choice between the two would lead to a variation in sound experience, but both can provide the depth that many typists revel in.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in their specific measurements. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Botany is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Botany requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Aniya, while still light, offers a slightly heavier feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Botany provides an even softer activation and bottoming out compared to the Aniya.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Akko Botany linear switch features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction indicates that the Aniya switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate feel during use. On the other hand, the Botany switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced movement and tactile feedback while typing, providing a less abrupt experience. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes responsiveness, the Aniya would be the preferable choice, whereas those seeking a deeper keypress would likely prefer the Akko Botany switch.
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 Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 compelling auditory experience characterized by its pronounced clacky profile. The sound produced is not excessively harsh; rather, it leans towards a balanced tone that strikes a middle ground between being pronounced and pleasantly audible. This quality allows for a lively typing environment without overwhelming the user with noise. In comparison, the Akko Botany linear switch is also noted for its crisp and lively clacky sound, though specific details regarding its tonal qualities are unspecified. Both switches, therefore, promise an engaging auditory experience, though the Aniya's more detailed sound profile may appeal more to those who enjoy nuanced sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switches shine through their exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to their creamy and polished design. This delightful tactile sensation is likely a result of both the materials used and potentially factory lubing, resulting in silky smooth keystrokes and reduced friction. There isn’t specific information provided about the feel of the Botany switches, leaving an unknown factor regarding how they might compare on this front. However, if you prioritize smoothness and a refined typing experience, the Aniya's impressive feel is something to look forward to.
In conclusion, if you are choosing between the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko Botany linear switches, both deliver enjoyable auditory experiences, with the Aniya offering a more detailed sound profile. The Aniya excels in its smooth and creamy feel, while the Botany still promises crispness but lacks specific details regarding feel. When selecting a switch, consider what attributes matter most to you, as both selections can provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you favor a typing experience that offers a smooth and buttery touch, combined with an audible yet not overpowering sound profile, the Aniya might be your best bet. Its creamy and polished sensations, along with a medium-light actuation force of 50 grams, can provide an enjoyable feel for both casual typing and extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you're after a brisk, lively clacky sound that energizes your keystrokes and you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Akko Botany linear switch is an ideal choice. Its vibrant auditory feedback will invigorate your typing, making it suitable for both work and leisure in a dynamic setting. Thus, consider what resonates most with your typing style and auditory preferences to make the right decision between these two engaging options.
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