PH Studio Aniya vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate towards those that offer a unique blend of performance and sound profile. The PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out with its harmonious balance between sound and feel. While it delivers a pleasant clack that is definitely audible, it avoids overwhelming the user with excessive noise, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. The medium-light actuation, combined with the silky smoothness of its Ly stem material, contributes to a delightful keystroke experience. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by a bright sound profile that some users may find more appealing in quieter environments or during extended typing sessions. This linear switch caters to those who prefer an unobtrusive auditory feedback paired with fluid keystrokes. Both switches have their merits, depending on your personal preferences in sound and tactile feel. 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
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches share a commonality in their upper housing material, both utilizing POM (polyoxymethylene) for the top housing. This type of material is renowned for its capacity to produce an incredibly pleasing sound profile, characterized by deeper tones and a relatively muted response. Because both switches feature POM in the top housing, they may yield similar acoustic results when pressed down, emphasizing the rich auditory characteristics that POM is known for. This overlap suggests that users who prioritize sound quality and depth in their typing experience might find both switches appealing for their auditory performance during key releases.
However, the distinctions between the two switches become apparent when examining the bottom housing. The Aniya employs POM for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a consistent auditory profile throughout the entire switch assembly. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear integrates nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice that contributes to a different sound experience. Nylon's unique properties allow for a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound better than POM, creating a rounder, duller acoustic signature. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly influence the overall typing experience, as the feel and sound during the bottom-out phase of the switch will vary between the two.
In essence, the combination of POM across both housings in the Aniya ensures a cohesive sound and tactile feel, while the hybrid material choice in the Bumblebee Linear introduces a contrasting dynamic. Users can expect a pronounced depth in sound from either switch, but the Aniya may provide a more consistent auditory experience, whereas the Bumblebee Linear might offer richer sound absorption qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference for sound characteristics during both pressing and releasing, along with tactile feedback, as each configuration presents its unique advantages and auditory offerings.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, both switches exhibit a similar bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that neither switch feels significantly different when pressed fully down. However, the actuation forces differ slightly; the Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Bumblebee Linear requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Consequently, the Aniya switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear, with its stiffer actuation force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same bottom out force, the difference in actuation force provides distinct tactile experiences for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, the Aniya offers a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Bumblebee Linear has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Aniya switch is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its abbreviated travel distance. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear, with its deeper 3.6 mm travel, caters to users who prefer a more substantial feel when keying, providing a sense of depth that some may find more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a hearty tactile experience, as the Aniya’s shorter travel may feel more abrupt for some users.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch presents a unique auditory experience that can be characterized as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant. This means that while typing, users will encounter a sharp and percussive sound that is crisp and bright, aligning well with a more dynamic audio profile. Although these switches are audible, their design ensures that they are not excessively loud, maintaining a pleasant environment for a variety of tasks. In contrast, there’s no specific sound profile provided for the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches, but they are described as having a bright sound. Therefore, while the Aniya switch offers a defined clacky sound experience, the Bumblebee’s brightness suggests they may produce a lively, clear sound as well, though lacking in detailed descriptors makes definitive comparisons tricky.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch excels with its creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. These descriptors indicate that users can expect a remarkably smooth and buttery typing experience that is a joy to engage with. The factory lubing and materials used in the Aniya contribute to minimal friction during key presses, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keyboard. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Bumblebee Linear switch, leaving a gap in the ability to compare tactile experiences between the two. Thus, while we can affirm the Aniya’s luxurious feel, we await clarification on the Bumblebee's tactile feedback.
In summary, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its balanced auditory profile, striking a pleasant harmony between crispness and volume while delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches suggest a bright sound but lack detailed descriptors, making it challenging to draw precise comparisons in feel and overall experience. For those inclined toward notable sound and tactile pleasure, the Aniya offers well-defined qualities, while the Bumblebee Linear may provide an attractive alternative, contingent upon further examination of its attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately boils down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you appreciate a typing experience that delivers a pleasant auditory balance with a more pronounced clacky tone, the Aniya would be a great fit, especially for those who enjoy a lively, engaging sound while they type. Its creamy and polished feel, enhanced by the use of Ly material, ensures smoothness that can make prolonged typing enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth experience with a bright sound profile that is less about the auditory impact and more about seamless keystrokes, then the Bumblebee Linear may be your best option. Both switches offer a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them suitable for users who like softer key presses. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value a clackier, satisfying auditory feedback with rich tactile sensations or a sleek, smooth typing experience with a brighter sound.
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