PH Studio Aniya vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both offer unique qualities that make them standout options in their own right. The Aniya, a linear switch known for its harmonious sound profile, strikes a balance between clacky and smooth, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a medium-light actuation and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that delivers a poppy, clacky sound alongside a smooth tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer an easy-to-press switch with a snappy feel. 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
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 spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Aniya utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Cream Yellow Pro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials lead to distinct auditory experiences for users when typing on the switches.
Despite their differences, both the Aniya and the Cream Yellow Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of mechanical switches. The use of POM in the Aniya's housing creates a unique sound that is distinctly different from the sharp and crisp sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing in the Cream Yellow Pro. However, both switches are designed to provide users with a tactile and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, both switches incorporate translucent housing materials that are ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience of typing on these mechanical switches.
Overall, the choice between the Aniya and the Cream Yellow Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Aniya offers a deep and muted sound profile with its POM housing, the Cream Yellow Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. The nylon bottom housing in the Cream Yellow Pro also contributes to a fuller sound profile compared to the Aniya. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch. The Aniya requires 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. The Aniya provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly heavier feel, which can appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, especially among gamers. The Aniya would provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a tad more depth for those who prefer a bit more feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance to suit individual typing or gaming needs.
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 Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 provides a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch also delivers a poppy clacky sound, offering a vibrant auditory experience. While the Aniya leans towards a medium-pitched sound, the Cream Yellow Pro provides a decent smoothness to complement its pronounced sound profile. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, making them suitable choices for those who enjoy a more lively typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth feel, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material. This smoothness results in a creamy typing experience, where every keystroke feels effortless and silky, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for its easy-to-press feature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Aniya focusing more on a smooth and buttery feel, while the Cream Yellow Pro emphasizes ease of pressing and comfort.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya provides a more clacky sound profile paired with a remarkably smooth feel, the Cream Yellow Pro delivers a poppy clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the more pronounced sound profile and smooth feel of the Aniya or the vibrant auditory experience and ease of pressing of the Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prioritize a harmonious sound profile with a more pronounced clacky sound and a smooth typing experience with medium-light actuation, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and easy-to-press feel for minimal finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value sound profile or typing feel more in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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