PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Deep Navy presents a fascinating exploration of auditory and tactile experiences, both of which are rooted in linear switch design. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is revered for its harmonious sound profile that strikes a balance between a clacky and creamy sound, providing audible feedback without being overwhelmingly loud. This middle ground makes it a fantastic choice for users seeking a delightful auditory experience during typing. Its medium-light actuation and Ly stem material contribute to a remarkably smooth keystroke, perfect for both casual and intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches offer a different take with their rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to a full nylon construction. These switches also feature the same silky smoothness provided by the Ly stem, but they bring a distinctive auditory richness that may appeal to users who prioritize sound and feel. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts with their smooth actuation and pleasing acoustics, they cater to different preferences when it comes to auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Aniya Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Deep Navy both utilize distinctive housing materials, which significantly impact their respective sound profiles and user experiences. The Aniya features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, designed to create a unique and pleasing sound with a profile that skews deeper and more muted. POM's rigid structure contributes to the overall auditory characteristics, resulting in a slightly more pronounced bottom-out sound while conserving the softer nuances when the key is released. This creates a balanced feel when typing, where the distinct tonal quality remains consistent due to the uniform housing material utilized throughout the switch.

In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy employs nylon as its housing material, which is recognized for its softer and more absorbent properties. The nylon top and bottom housings provide a more rounded and fuller sound profile, promoting a typing experience that can feel both engaging and smooth. Because nylon can absorb sound waves more effectively than POM, the Deep Navy produces a duller auditory output, particularly noticeable on the release of the keys. Although the nylon properties differ from the POM, the resulting sound is also a fuller and deeper tone, showcasing how different materials can achieve similar auditory goals through their unique characteristics.

Despite their differences, both the Aniya and Deep Navy design approaches allow for nuanced auditory experiences rooted in their respective material choices. The Aniya's consistent use of POM results in a cohesive sound output, with each housing's characteristics contributing evenly to the overall experience. Conversely, the Deep Navy's combined properties of nylon in both housings result in a rich and enveloping sound, which reflects the unique capabilities of the material to absorb impact. Ultimately, each can produce a satisfying sound profile, with the Aniya relying on the structural integrity of POM for a more focused sound and the Deep Navy utilizing nylon's softer properties for a rounded auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a softer typing experience. The Aniya features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Deep Navy has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Although both switches fall within a similar range, the Deep Navy is marginally lighter at both actuation and bottom out compared to the Aniya. This distinction makes the HMX Deep Navy slightly more suitable for users seeking an effortless keystroke during extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Aniya offers a slightly more substantial feel. Ultimately, both switches provide an overall similar experience, but users who prefer a lighter touch would likely gravitate towards the HMX Deep Navy linear switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, it's clear that there is a notable difference. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Deep Navy features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aniya offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers and users seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Deep Navy's 3.6 mm travel distance may cater to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when typing, as it provides a more pronounced keypress experience. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose, your preference between a quicker response or a more tactile feedback will guide your choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The PH Studio Aniya linear switch presents a unique sound profile, characterized by a harmonious and distinctively clacky essence. This means that it produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when activated, leaning slightly towards a higher pitch without becoming excessively loud. The result is an auditory experience that is pleasant and engaging, striking a balance that is likely enjoyable for those who appreciate audible feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switches also offer an attractive sound quality, the specifics of their auditory profile aren’t thoroughly detailed beyond the mention of their full nylon construction. The emphasis on rich and sharp sound could suggest a cleaner, more focused sound signature, but without additional descriptors, it’s hard to draw direct comparisons.

When assessing the feel of these switches, the Aniya shines with descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky. This combination indicates a typing experience that is extraordinarily smooth and enjoyable, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys, with minimal resistance. The use of Ly as the stem material contributes to this refined feel, promising reliability and comfort during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Deep Navy switches is absent, leaving us without a clear understanding of how they might compare or contrast with the Aniya in terms of tactile response and overall typing sensation.

Taking everything into account, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch have their own unique offerings. While the Aniya excels in both sound and feel, giving users a rich auditory experience and a remarkably smooth typing sensation, the Deep Navy's qualities remain less defined in contrast, particularly regarding feel. Hence, if you are looking for a defined auditory experience and tactile delight, the Aniya may be the preferable choice, while the Deep Navy might still offer intrigue, depending on the specifics of its performance that remain unknown. Ultimately, while both switches can provide enjoyable results, the Aniya clearly outlines its strengths, whereas the Deep Navy invites curiosity but lacks detailed exposition.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a keyboard that provides a pronounced, clacky sound profile combined with a remarkably smooth typing feel, then the Aniya switch is the right choice for you. Its medium-light actuation and creamy texture make it delightful for both typing and gaming, offering a tactile satisfaction that enhances your overall experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more subdued but rich auditory experience with a silkier keystroke, you might want to opt for the Deep Navy switch. With a slightly lighter actuation weight and its full nylon construction, it will give you that smooth, luxurious feel with sublimely sharp sound without being overly loud. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: if sound and a balanced feel appeal to you, go for the Aniya; if you desire a quieter, smoother experience with subtle richness, the Deep Navy is your ideal match.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Aniya Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more