PH Studio Aniya vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch are both popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya switch is known for its harmonious sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. Its smooth feel and medium-light actuation make every keystroke a delightful experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is praised for its budget-friendly high quality, with a poppy and clacky sound and notable smoothness right out of the box. While both switches offer their own set of benefits and qualities, it's important to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
20mm
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. This difference in housing materials leads to distinct typing experiences for each keyboard.
While the Aniya and the V3 Cream Black Pro both aim to provide a pleasing sound profile, their choice of housing materials results in contrasting outcomes. The POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya offer a consistent deep and muted sound, providing a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the V3 Cream Black Pro creates a more dynamic sound profile, with sharper tones from the top housing and fuller tones from the bottom housing. This diversity in sound showcases the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing feel and auditory experience of a keyboard.
Despite their differences, the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro show that the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the sound and feel of a keyboard. By using POM for both top and bottom housings, the Aniya maintains a consistent deep and muted sound throughout typing. The V3 Cream Black Pro, on the other hand, combines polycarbonate and nylon to create a more varied sound profile with sharper and fuller tones. Both keyboards demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving a desired sound and feel, whether it be for a more subdued and consistent typing experience or a dynamic and varied one.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Aniya, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, slightly shorter than the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, especially gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant to most users, as both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be more appealing due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 offers a more pronounced clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp and snappy, while leaning towards a medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides a unique poppy and clacky sound that is also high-pitched. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience, with the Aniya having a slightly more clacky tone compared to the Cream Black Pro.
When it comes to feel, both the Aniya and the Cream Black Pro switches offer a creamy and smooth typing experience. The Aniya switch, thanks to its Ly stem material, provides a remarkably smooth feel with a medium-light actuation, making each keystroke pleasant and effortless. Similarly, the Cream Black Pro switch impresses users with its buttery typing sensation, offering silky key presses. Additionally, the Cream Black Pro is noted to be bouncy and snappy, providing a lively and responsive typing experience.
Overall, while the sound profiles of the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches may have slight differences in pitch and tone, both switches offer a smooth and delightful typing experience. Whether it's the more pronounced clacky sound of the Aniya or the unique poppy sound of the Cream Black Pro, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option. Additionally, the creamy and polished feel of both switches ensures a satisfying tactile feedback, making them solid choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more balanced sound profile with a medium-light actuation, the Aniya switch may be the right choice for you. The Aniya switch offers a smooth and delightful typing experience, with a slightly clacky sound that is not overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a high-quality switch at a budget-friendly price point, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch may be more suitable for you. The Cream Black Pro switch impresses with its unique poppy and clacky sound, complemented by a notably smooth feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound profile, bottom out force, and typing experience.
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