PH Studio Aniya vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch. The Aniya switch, known for its harmonious sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky sound, offers a medium-light actuation and a smooth feel, resulting in an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch is renowned for its aggressive tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharp, binary tactility. While the Aniya switch boasts a pleasant auditory experience and smooth keystrokes, the Box Royal switch excels in providing intense tactility and a higher pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Kailh Box Royal switches provide unique characteristics that affect the overall sound and feel of typing. The Aniya's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the Box Royal's nylon top housing also produces a deeper and fuller sound, with a rounder and duller tone due to nylon's softer plastic composition. While both materials aim to enhance the typing sound, they do so in slightly different ways.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Aniya and the Box Royal switches also play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to its unique sound profile, providing a deeper and more muted tone similar to its top housing counterpart. In comparison, the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing complements its top housing by absorbing more sound and creating a fuller sound profile. Both bottom housings work in tandem with the top housings to create a cohesive typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
In instances where the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, users can expect a combination of characteristics from each material when typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in material, the PH Studio Aniya and Kailh Box Royal switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts seeking unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. Whether using POM or nylon housing, users can expect a premium typing experience with distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch. The Aniya requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Box Royal needs 45 grams to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, giving it a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may favor the Aniya for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more tactile and robust feel may lean towards the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Box Royal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Box Royal may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
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 Box Royal 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a more clacky and medium-pitched profile, providing a crisp and satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound, emphasizing its sharp and binary tactility. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya leaning towards a more pronounced clacky tone and the Box Royal offering a sharper pitch.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya linear switch boasts a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material, resulting in a creamy and polished feel with medium-light actuation. In comparison, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is famous for its sharp tactile bump, providing a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. While the Aniya focuses on a silky and refined sensation, the Box Royal prioritizes a solid and pronounced tactility that enhances the typing experience for those who seek a more aggressive tactile response.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the clacky and medium-pitched sound of the Aniya with its creamy and silky feel, or opt for the high-pitched sound and sharp tactile bump of the Box Royal for a more aggressive typing experience. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a smoother, medium-light actuation with a balanced clacky sound profile, then the Aniya switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more aggressive tactile feedback and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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