PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and Gateron CJ are two popular options to consider. The PH Studio Aniya, a linear switch, is praised for its balanced sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being overly loud. Made with Ly as the stem material, it offers a remarkably smooth feel and medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ, also a linear switch, stands out for its unique presentation with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. Both switches have their own qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron CJ switches both utilize POM for their bottom housing, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile characterized by deeper tones and a relatively muted sound. However, when comparing the top housing materials, the Aniya features POM while the CJ uses a proprietary INK blend. The Aniya's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muffled sound, contrasting with the CJ's INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This difference in top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the Aniya and CJ switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their POM bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent between the two switches, as POM is known for creating a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This similarity in the bottom housing material ensures a comparable typing experience between the Aniya and CJ switches, with the distinct sound differences primarily attributed to the top housing material.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron CJ switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles, the shared use of POM for the bottom housing ensures a consistent and satisfying typing experience across both switches. The choice between the deeper, muted sound of the Aniya's POM top housing or the higher-pitched, clacky sound of the CJ's INK blend top housing will ultimately come down to personal preference and the desired typing sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, it is clear that the Aniya is the lighter of the two. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the CJ offers a slightly heavier typing experience with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel will appreciate the CJ switch. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in weight between the two can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether one prefers the lighter Aniya or the slightly heavier CJ will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron CJ linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the CJ's longer travel distance offers a more traditional typing experience with a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance – whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial press. Both switches offer quality performance, but the Aniya provides a slightly shorter travel distance than the Gateron CJ.
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 Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and bright auditory experience. This sound profile is not excessively loud, ensuring a pleasant typing environment. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a chirpy and neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, the CJ presents a unique acoustic signature with a touch of squeakiness. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing users with options depending on their auditory preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material contributes to a remarkably smooth feel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While the Aniya excels in providing a silky smooth typing feel, the CJ offers a safe middle-ground experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Aniya provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and polished typing experience, while the CJ offers a chirpy and neutral sound with a mild typing feel. Depending on the individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced clacky sound profile, as well as a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Aniya may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a unique chirpy sound profile, and a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, the CJ could be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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