PH Studio Aniya vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can profoundly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options worth considering are the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g. The Aniya switch, produced by BSUN, is celebrated for its unique balance between sound profile and tactile feedback. It offers a pronounced clacky sound that’s pleasantly audible without being overwhelming, thanks to its smooth Ly stem material and a medium-light actuation force. This makes it an ideal choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, as its creamy and polished characteristics provide a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, resulting in a quick and responsive feel with each keystroke. Its crisp, high-pitched tones make it a suitable option for those who prioritize speed and a lightweight touch. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each provide a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches present a fascinating comparison in their sound profiles and structural characteristics. The Aniya features a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound that contributes to an overall plush and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is celebrated for its stiffer structure that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinct sonic quality of the Chiikawa makes it more resonant and clear, ideally suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying sound profile, their differing top housing materials significantly influence the resulting acoustic experiences.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of differentiation. The Aniya's POM bottom housing similarly offers a rich and muted sound profile, aligning with its top housing to provide a cohesive auditory experience. Conversely, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom housing introduces a classic switch material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper profile. The inherent softness of nylon means that the Chiikawa's bottom housing contributes to a rounder sound compared to the Aniya's more muted characteristics. This contrast in the bottom materials provides a different tactile and auditory feedback during a keypress, contributing to the overall experience of each switch, with the Chiikawa's nylon creating a softer bottom-out experience.
Ultimately, while the Aniya and Chiikawa exhibit distinct sound and feel characteristics due to their material compositions, there is a potential for the two switches to deliver comparable results in terms of user satisfaction. If one were to carefully balance the tactile feedback with the sonic quality desired, appropriate pairing or mixing of switch components could yield a similar experience. By understanding how the interplay between top and bottom housings influences sound and feel, enthusiasts can fine-tune their setups to find a hybrid solution that harnesses the strengths of both materials. Thus, for those seeking a nuanced blend of deeper muted sounds and sharper tonal clarity, exploring the potential of combining these housing materials could lead to a highly satisfying outcome.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams. The actuation force reflects the amount of pressure needed to register a keystroke, meaning the Aniya will require less force to type than the Chiikawa, which some users may appreciate for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the slightly heavier resistance offered by the Chiikawa could provide a more substantial feel for typists who prefer a stronger pushback. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in weight, the Aniya is the lighter switch, appealing to those who prioritize comfort during longer usage periods.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a slightly greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aniya switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Chiikawa, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quick key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance may provide a more tactile experience for those who prefer a fuller depression of the key, offering a sense of depth that some users find more satisfying. Therefore, if you are looking for faster response times, the Aniya would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a complete keystroke feel, the Chiikawa may suit you better.
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 Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g 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
The sound profile of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is distinctive, characterized by a clacky and bright resonance that adds a layer of auditory pleasure to the typing experience. This design lends itself to a crisp, clean sound, creating an immersive and enjoyable typing atmosphere without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is noted for its bright, high-pitched sound that captures attention with its sharpness. While the Chiikawa switch's sound is notably more vivid and might be more suitable for users who prefer a peppier auditory experience, both switches are influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap materials, meaning that their sound character can shift based on external elements in a setup.
In terms of tactile feel, the Aniya switch excels in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience. Its combination of high-quality materials and likely factory lubrication results in a polished, refined sensation, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. This silky texture translates to a luxurious typing experience, where every keystroke feels fluid and satisfying. The tactile feedback of the Chiikawa - 45g switch remains unknown, which leaves a gap in comparing the overall feel of both switches. However, given the Aniya's focus on smoothness and comfort, it is likely to cater to typists who prioritize a refined touch.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aniya provides a balanced sound profile and a remarkably smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a creamy touch and clacky sound. Conversely, the Chiikawa offers a brighter sound that may appeal to users looking for a more vibrant auditory feedback. If users seek a specific combination of attributes from both switches, they may find that the Aniya’s qualities resonate more with them, while the Chiikawa could pique the interest of those who favor higher-pitched sounds and potentially faster actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a harmonious balance between sound and feel, the Aniya is the way to go. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, they provide a satisfying tactile experience characterized by a creaminess and smoothness that enhances your keystrokes. Additionally, the clacky and resonant sound profile creates an enjoyable auditory feedback without being overly loud, making it suitable for both casual typing and more deliberate tasks.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes responsiveness and a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g may be your ideal choice. With its medium-light 51 grams bottom-out force, this switch allows for quick actuation, perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing where speed is essential. The higher-pitched sound profile may appeal to those who appreciate an energetic auditory experience. Therefore, consider how you want to balance sound, feel, and actuation force based on your typing habits and environment, as both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
