PH Studio Aniya vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, you will find that both have their unique characteristics to offer. The Aniya, a linear switch, is known for its harmonious sound profile that leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Darling, also a linear switch, provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness. It delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Darling both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Aniya features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound, while the Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics can provide users with different typing experiences depending on their preference for sound aesthetics. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Darling allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic dimension to the switch.
In terms of bottom housing, the Aniya's POM material provides a deep and pleasing sound profile similar to its top housing characteristics. On the other hand, the Darling incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing's qualities.
Although the top and bottom housings of the switches differ in material, their impact on sound and feel is crucial to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's characteristics play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the qualities of each housing material, users can tailor their typing experience based on their preferences for sound profile and feel. Ultimately, the choice between POM and polycarbonate in the Aniya and nylon in the Darling can provide users with distinct typing experiences catering to their individual preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Darling has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Aniya has a lighter feel overall compared to the Darling. Some may prefer the lighter touch of the Aniya for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Darling for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may find the Aniya to be more suitable, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial key press may opt for the Darling. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience overall.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 more clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch also offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a resonant and immersive sound profile. While both switches share some similarities in sound qualities, with both being clacky and high-pitched, the Aniya leans slightly towards a more pronounced clackiness, while the Darling offers a more resonant and bouncier sound upon bottoming out.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is described as having a remarkably smooth feel, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material, providing a creamy and polished typing experience. This results in a silky sensation with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, offering a springy responsiveness to each keystroke, giving users a rebound effect when typing. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Aniya focusing on smoothness and polish, while the Darling emphasizes a bouncier and more substantial typing sensation.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya and KTT Darling linear switches each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table when it comes to sound and feel. The Aniya excels in providing a balance of clacky sound and smooth feel, while the Darling offers a blend of high-pitched resonance and bouncy tactility. Depending on personal preferences for typing experience, users can choose between the more pronounced clacky and smooth Aniya switch or the resonant and bouncy Darling switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, while each switch has its unique characteristics, users can expect a premium typing experience with both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, you should consider your preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a more harmonious and medium-light typing experience with a balanced sound profile that leans towards clacky, then the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced bounciness and a more substantial typing sensation accompanied by a resonant, high-pitched sound profile, the Darling switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
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