PH Studio Aniya vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the Keygeek Briny both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its delightful clacky sound profile that strikes a remarkable balance—it’s engaging without being overpowering, creating an auditory experience that many typists appreciate. With a smooth feel attributed to its Ly stem material and a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya provides a satisfying typing experience that is both creamy and polished. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny, featuring an UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, is designed for those who favor a more subdued yet balanced sound profile. While the Briny may not boast the same pronounced auditory feedback as the Aniya, it excels in versatility, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a quieter environment while still experiencing the smoothness that linear switches provide. Ultimately, both switches have their merits depending on what you prioritize in your typing experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Keygeek Briny consist of different plastics—POM for the Aniya and nylon for the Briny—leading to distinct sound profiles despite some similarities. Both materials provide a deeper and more muted auditory experience, favoring a fuller sound over a sharper one. POM, known for its rigidity, contributes to a uniquely pleasing sound signature while enhancing durability. Conversely, nylon is a time-tested classic in switch housing; its softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively, which results in a rounder, duller sound profile. Thus, while the Aniya and Briny both aim for a deeper sound, the mechanism behind this auditory result varies based on the properties of the materials used.
In terms of overall performance and feel, the way the Aniya and Briny produce sound is subtly influenced by their respective materials. Both switches feature similar sound profiles; however, the characteristics of the POM housing in the Aniya may deliver a more muted and unique sound due to its denser structure. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Briny offers a more cushioned experience that absorbs keystrokes better, thereby creating a deeper and more enveloping auditory sensation. This difference becomes more pronounced when considering the different impacts each housing has during the actuation and bottoming out of the switches—a hallmark of the typing experience that enthusiasts often appreciate.
Ultimately, despite their material differences, both the Aniya and Briny clearly achieve comparable results in crafting a satisfying sound profile. Each switch’s bottom housing plays a crucial role in the sound and feel experienced upon keystroke, and both the POM and nylon materials predominantly deliver deeper tones. However, the tactile feedback and acoustic properties may vary, offering users unique sensations depending on personal preference. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may boil down to individual preferences regarding sound texture and typing feel, as both options provide a compelling audio and tactile experience for the user.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the Briny has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Regarding bottom out forces, the Aniya’s 50 grams is also lighter than the Briny’s 60 grams, further emphasizing the Aniya's user-friendly design for those who favor lighter switches. Therefore, those looking for a lighter, more comfortable typing experience would lean towards the Aniya, while those seeking a heavier, more robust feel might opt for the Briny. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, benefiting users based on their typing or gaming styles.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aniya switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive, which could be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Briny switch may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, where those favoring a snappier response might lean toward the Aniya, whereas those who appreciate more depth might opt for the Briny.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 notable for its clacky and high-pitched profile, making it a lively choice for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory experience while typing. The clack from each keystroke is crisp and percussive, akin to the sound of expertly timed billiard balls colliding, contributing to an engaging atmosphere without being overwhelmingly loud. While the Keygeek Briny linear switch also boasts a balanced sound profile, specific descriptors and details about its auditory qualities remain less defined. Therefore, while users can expect a harmonious sound from the Briny, the Aniya offers a more vibrant and characterized auditory experience that may appeal to those seeking a bit more personality in their keystrokes.
Regarding feel, the Aniya switch truly excels with descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky, characterizing its typing experience as smooth and enjoyable. The use of Ly as a stem material complements the factory lube application, resulting in a seamless glide with minimal friction when transitioning between keystrokes. The medium-light actuation adds to the overall delightful and effortless feel of typing on the Aniya. In contrast, the specifics of the Briny's tactile characteristics remain unelaborated. Consequently, while both may share a linear nature that likely brings about a smooth feel, the Aniya clearly stands out for its refined and luxurious typing sensation.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch presents a compelling choice for new mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, providing a lively and clacky sound profile paired with a remarkably smooth and pleasurable typing experience. The Keygeek Briny, while potentially balanced in sound and feel, lacks the descriptive depth seen with the Aniya, leaving some aspects of its typing experience to the imagination. For those prioritizing a signature auditory experience along with a silky smooth keystroke, the Aniya is a phenomenal option, while the Briny may appeal to those who prefer a more understated linear switch without much emphasis on specific tactile or auditory characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Aniya is your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a smooth, creamy feel with a pleasant auditory experience that’s not overly loud. This makes it ideal for situations where you want a tactile yet enjoyable typing experience without being disruptive. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a medium bottom out force and a more balanced sound profile, the Briny switch may be the better choice for you. It offers a smooth typing feel but doesn't focus as heavily on auditory characteristics, making it suitable for a quieter environment or extended typing sessions where you may prioritize comfort over sound. Ultimately, consider what aspects—sound, feel, and user experience—are most important to you, and let those guide your decision.
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