PH Studio Aniya vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can profoundly affect your typing experience. The PH Studio Aniya linear switch is celebrated for its smooth feel and balanced sound profile, striking a chord that leans towards a pronounced clacky sound without becoming overwhelming. Made with Ly as its stem material, the Aniya features a medium-light actuation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound signature, providing tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who prefer a more engaged typing experience. While the Aniya is perfect for users seeking a streamlined, quiet operation, the Cliff caters to those who thrive on the feeling of each keypress. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Cliff utilize distinct materials for their top housing, resulting in differing sound profiles. The Aniya features POM (Polyoxymethylene), a material known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This quality is attributed to the inherent acoustic properties of POM, which tends to provide a warm and unique tonal experience. In contrast, the Cliff employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for yielding a sharper and crisper auditory profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer, more resonant sound, and its translucency enhances RGB lighting effects by allowing light to pass through, thus accentuating the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, while both switches aim to deliver satisfying auditory experiences, the Aniya leans towards a muted resonance, while the Cliff emphasizes clarity and brightness.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a different comparison. The Aniya incorporates POM for its bottom housing, providing a similarly deep and muted sound profile that complements its top. Conversely, the Bsun Cliff adopts nylon as its bottom housing material, which traditionally offers a fuller sound characterized by a softer, rounder tone. This disparity suggests that while both switches are designed to create a satisfying typing experience, the methods by which they achieve this differ. The softer nylon used in the Cliff will absorb more sound, yielding a duller bottom-out feel compared to the Aniya’s consistent POM construction. Thus, the unique acoustic properties of each bottom housing contribute to their overall auditory effects during use.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch. For the Aniya, the congruous use of POM in both the top and bottom housings creates a unified sound signature characterized by warmth and depth. In contrast, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Cliff introduces a more complex layering of sound, where the clear impact of the polycarbonate top interacts with the softer nylon base. Each configuration will affect the sound produced during key presses and releases, enabling users to choose based on personal preference for tonal quality and feel. Thus, while the Aniya and Cliff provide distinctly different experiences, they both effectively utilize their respective materials to create engaging and enjoyable mechanical switch experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, both exhibit comparatively light characteristics, yet differ slightly in their specifications. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Cliff switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Cliff is lighter than the Aniya, making it potentially more suitable for users looking to type for extended periods without fatigue. As for the bottom out forces, while both switches require relatively low pressure to reach the end of their travel, the Aniya's 50 grams weight is greater than the Cliff's 45 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on user preference: those who prefer a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Bsun Cliff, whereas those who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the PH Studio Aniya.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Aniya switch provides a shorter stroke, which may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Cliff switch, with its greater travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more traditional feel with a more pronounced depth when typing. While both switches can accommodate various preferences, users looking for a snappier experience may favor the Aniya, while those desiring a more robust tactile experience might choose the Cliff. Overall, the Aniya is the shorter switch, and the Cliff is the longer option in this comparison.
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 Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 notably clacky and bright, creating a sharp auditory experience without veering into overly loud territory. Its higher-pitched tones provide a crisp and percussive character, offering a clean and resonant quality. The auditory experience is quite pleasant, making it a favorable choice for those who appreciate clear sound without excessive volume. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the sound characteristics of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, so its auditory presence remains unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch excels with its creamy and polished texture, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The use of materials and factory lubrication contributes to a silky sensation that allows fingers to flow effortlessly across the keys, minimizing resistance with each keystroke. This refined feeling is ideal for users who prioritize a pleasurable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Cliff switches are also not explicitly described, leaving their tactile feedback and overall feel largely undisclosed.
In summary, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a well-balanced sound profile that’s sharp yet not overpoweringly loud, alongside an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Cliff tactile switch, while its sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, may still serve a different user preference due to its medium tactility. Ultimately, both switches could potentially cater to users seeking distinct auditory and tactile experiences, though the Aniya stands out in the known details provided.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of feedback you enjoy. If you favor a smooth, light, and fluid typing experience, the Aniya is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and creamy, polished feel provide a delightful sensation that’s perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky sound profile that isn't overwhelming, the Aniya’s harmonious auditory character will likely resonate with you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel, the Cliff switch could be more suitable. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and a medium tactility, it offers a crisp sound and physical feedback that many typists find rewarding. This can be especially beneficial if you enjoy knowing that your keystrokes are registered efficiently. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you gravitate more towards the smoothness and sound of the Aniya or the tactile feedback and responsiveness of the Cliff.
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