PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya, a linear switch, and the TTC Brother, a clicky switch, can greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, offers a delightful blend of a clacky yet smooth sound profile, allowing for audible feedback without being excessively loud. Its medium-light actuation, coupled with a polished Ly stem material, provides an exceptionally smooth keystroke that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Brother shines with its lightweight actuation of just 37g, delivering a distinctly crunchy sound that clicky switch aficionados crave. The tactile bump of the Brother is both present and refined, ensuring that each keystroke is met with satisfying feedback. Therefore, while the Aniya emphasizes a silky, polished experience, the Brother focuses on tactile and auditory satisfaction. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Brother, a clear distinction emerges between their tops, which are made from POM and polycarbonate respectively. The Aniya's POM top housing is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile that enhances auditory pleasure with its unique tonal quality. In contrast, the TTC Brother’s polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, crisper sound that is characterized by clarity and resonance, largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer properties. This notable difference in the sound produced by the two top housing materials suggests that while both switches can provide satisfying auditory experiences, the nature of those experiences will contrast significantly, with the Aniya offering a muted richness and the Brother showcasing a bright articulation.
The bottom housings of the two switches present another layer of contrast, with the Aniya utilizing POM and the Brother incorporating nylon. POM materials, similar to how they function in the top housing, carry forth their deeper sound characteristics in the Aniya’s bottom housing, fostering a sound profile that remains consistent with a pleasing aesthetic. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the TTC Brother elicits a sound that is deeper and fuller, absorbing more sound due to its comparatively softer nature. This creates a rounder tonal output, resulting in a richer bottom-out sound. Hence, even though both switches utilize materials that contribute to a depth in sound, the distinctive properties of POM and nylon lead to varied auditory experiences, despite both aiming for a more profound connection to the typist.
By synthesizing the combined attributes of top and bottom housings, we can identify that these switches, while differing in materials, might still achieve some semblance of similar results through the interplay of their unique qualities. When engaged, the Aniya’s POM top and bottom, alongside the Brother's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, blend their distinctive sounds, impacting how they feel and sound when pressed. Due to the characteristic effects of the materials on both sides, the Aniya might deliver a more muted response when bottoming out, while the Brother could offer a more pronounced sharpness in release. This interplay emphasizes the essence of mechanical switches, where even disparate materials can yield enjoyable and unique experiences, shaped profoundly by the acoustic and tactile elements they introduce.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch display distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Brother switch has a lower actuation force at 37 grams, which further emphasizes its accessibility for users who prefer lighter switches. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. Despite this unknown, the Aniya switch clearly provides a more defined bottoming out experience at 50 grams. Overall, the Aniya is heavier compared to the Brother's actuation force, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience, while the Brother’s lighter actuation may cater to those seeking ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, the Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Brother measures 3.5 mm. This means that the Aniya is the shorter switch, which can offer more responsiveness for gamers who favor quick key presses. In contrast, the Brother's longer travel distance provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: if you seek faster response times, the Aniya is the better option, whereas if you appreciate a more tactile feedback with depth, the Brother could be more suitable.
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 TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by a pronounced clacky profile. This sound is not excessively high-pitched, but it does provide a crisp, bright resonance that can be quite enjoyable during typing. The auditory feedback is substantial, yet it doesn't overwhelm the environment, maintaining a level of subtlety that makes for a pleasant experience. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a distinctly crunchy sound signature that enthusiasts of clicky switches find appealing. Each keystroke produces a clear and articulate click that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, ensuring the auditory feedback is satisfying and pronounced. Though both switches promise an engaging sound, the Aniya leans toward a clacky resonance while the Brother prioritizes the iconic crispness of clicky feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch stands out with its remarkably smooth operation. Described as creamy, polished, and silky, this switch offers a buttery typing experience that glides seamlessly under your fingers. The medium-light actuation force further enhances this experience, allowing for a gentle touch that minimizes resistance when typing. Conversely, the TTC Brother switch features a lightweight actuation of just 37g, designed to provide ease during usage. Its tactile nature is characterized as easy-to-press with a noticeable yet mild stepped feedback, making every keystroke distinct without requiring much effort. While both switches are engineered for comfort, the Aniya emphasizes smoothness and fluidity, whereas the Brother incorporates a tactile bump that ensures an engaging and responsive feel.
In summary, both the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Brother switches deliver unique and enjoyable experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aniya focuses on a harmonious clacky sound and a silky smooth typing sensation, perfect for those who appreciate linear switches with refined auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Brother excels in offering a crunchy auditory signature with a tactile feel that emphasizes ease of use. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the distinctive feedback and sound of a clicky switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a smoother and more subdued typing experience, the Aniya is an excellent choice. It offers a delightful tactile feel with its creamy and polished characteristics, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. The pleasant sound profile, featuring a balanced clacky resonance, allows for enjoyable auditory feedback without being overpowering in quieter environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging typing experience filled with clear auditory cues, the TTC Brother switch will likely suit you best. The crunchy sound signature, combined with its easy-to-press action and distinct tactile bump, delivers a satisfying feedback that clicky switch enthusiasts crave. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prefer your keys to feel and sound while ensuring that your overall typing comfort is maximized. Whether you favor the smooth elegance of the Aniya or the crispness of the Brother, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance your keyboard experience.
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