PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The PH Studio Aniya, crafted by BSUN, offers a linear switch that maintains a delightful clacky sound profile without becoming overwhelming. With its medium-light actuation and smooth Ly stem material, the Aniya ensures a satisfying, polished feel with each keystroke, making it a great option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without sacrificing tactile comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g also presents a linear design but takes the auditory experience a step further with its lighter feel and equally clacky sound profile. This switch is particularly tailored for enthusiasts who favor a brighter typing experience while still enjoying the silky smoothness that linear switches are renowned for. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and actuation feel, ensuring that each can appeal to distinct user bases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Cloud - 50g, a notable contrast can be observed in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings of each switch. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, creating a distinct sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted quality. In contrast, the Cloud - 50g employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. With nylon being a classic switch housing material, it contributes to a sound that is deep and full but also softer, as it tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. While both materials generate a deeper sound profile, the characteristics of their sound attenuation differ, with nylon producing a rounder resonance compared to the more muted tones of POM.
Additionally, while the housing materials lead to different auditory experiences, there are some similarities in the outcome of the sound profiles produced by both switches. The Aniya's POM housings provide a unique auditory experience that is deep and pleasant, while the nylon used in the Cloud - 50g also fosters a similarly deep sound, albeit with a fuller and slightly more yielding quality. Both switches thus feature a rich sound signature that will appeal to users looking for a satisfying auditory experience. The difference primarily resides in the nuances of the sound—where POM offers a more unique sound experience with a muted profile, nylon contributes to a conventional yet lush resonance.
Furthermore, the impact of these materials is felt in the overall typing experience as well. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the feel and the bottom-out sound, while the top housing affects the sound produced upon key release. With both the Aniya and Cloud - 50g utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings, the characteristics inherent to each material will manifest distinctly when typing. In scenarios where both switches are tested, users may find that while the Aniya presents a somewhat more diffused sound due to the POM's properties, the Cloud - 50g’s nylon will offer a more pronounced yet rounded auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate deeper sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The comparison between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch reveals that both models share identical specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing them as light switches. This means users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, allowing for extended periods of use without significant fatigue, which is advantageous for long typing sessions at work or during gaming. Since both switches have the same weights, neither can be seen as heavier or lighter than the other, ensuring that typists looking for a lighter tactile response will find both options equally appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Aniya featuring a travel distance of 3.2 mm and the Cloud - 50g measuring 3.9 mm. This means that the Aniya switch is the shorter option, allowing for quicker actuation, which can be particularly appealing to gamers seeking enhanced responsiveness during gameplay. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Cloud - 50g offers a more substantial feel, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference—those valuing quick reactions might lean towards the Aniya, while those who favor a more tactile experience might opt for the Cloud - 50g.
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 HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
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 is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. This results in a pleasant yet audible typing sound that isn't overly loud, striking a fine balance between being engaging and non-intrusive. The Aniya's sound also incorporates marbly and resonant qualities, creating a clean and sharp audio signature reminiscent of tapping on marble or the collision of billiard balls. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is reported to have a clacky sound profile as well, suggesting that users can expect a similarly bright auditory experience. However, detailed descriptions of the Cloud's sound qualities are lacking, so it's hard to make a precise comparison; yet, it seems they will yield enjoyable sounds overall.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch excels with descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky, which collectively highlight its remarkably smooth typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material enhances this sensation, along with a medium-light actuation that makes each keystroke feel light and effortless. This combination guarantees a superior tactile experience, characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel. The HMX Cloud - 50g, while also mentioned to provide a silky feel, lacks details that would allow for a thorough comparison. However, both switches possibly cater to users who appreciate a smoothly gliding experience during typing.
Considering the information available, both the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches share clacky sound profiles that create engaging auditory experiences, albeit with some nuances that are still not fully fleshed out for the Cloud. When it comes to feel, while the Aniya boasts a richly defined tactile smoothness, the Cloud also promises a pleasing sensation, though specifics are sparse. Overall, both switches are likely to satisfy users looking for a combination of auditory pleasure and tactile smoothness, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light touch with a moderately clacky sound profile that balances auditory pleasure without overwhelming noise, the Aniya switch would be an excellent choice. Its creamy, silky feel enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, if you prefer a more pronounced clacky noise that adds a vibrant character to your typing experience, while still enjoying a silky smooth actuation, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the way to go. Both switches feature a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them light, but your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a harmonious sound experience with medium-light actuation (Aniya) or a brighter, crisper auditory feedback combined with a smooth tactile feel (Cloud - 50g). Ultimately, your decision should reflect what enhances your typing enjoyment and comfort.
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