PH Studio Aniya vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Dolphin offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Aniya, a linear switch manufactured by BSUN, is known for its harmonious sound profile that strikes a balance between being clacky and not excessively loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke on the Aniya is a delight. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force, making it ideal for quiet office environments. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to specific needs and preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Dolphin keyboards feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Aniya's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of different materials in the top housing results in distinct auditory experiences for users of each keyboard. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Dolphin allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Aniya's POM material offers a deep and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer quality that absorbs more sound. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two keyboards contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback that users will encounter while using each keyboard. These distinct qualities add to the unique feel and sound profile of each keyboard.
While the Aniya and Dolphin keyboards utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of each material on the user experience is split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite the variations in housing materials between the two keyboards, both keyboards offer a unique typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of individual users based on the sound profiles created by the housing materials used.
Weight
Comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Dolphin's unknown actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams while the Dolphin needs 62 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that the Aniya would be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, which is great for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dolphin would be more suitable for users looking for a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dolphin switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Aniya switch. The Aniya switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 best described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is not excessively loud but still noticeable. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is muted and low-pitched, offering a softer and quieter sound profile that is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Aniya providing a more pronounced auditory experience while the Dolphin offers a more subtle and muted sound.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is often described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the flip side, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is simply described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances typing comfort and reduces resistance while pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a high-quality tactile experience, but the Aniya may offer a slightly more luxurious and silky feel compared to the Dolphin.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch both offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and silky feel, the Aniya may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted and low-pitched sound with a polished feel, the Dolphin could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice depending on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and needs. If you prioritize a smoother feel and a slightly lighter actuation force, the Aniya may be the better choice for you. The pronounced clacky sound profile of the Aniya adds a satisfying auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you require a silent switch for a quieter work environment or prefer a switch with a bit more resistance, the Dolphin is a great option. The muted sound profile of the Dolphin ensures you can focus without disturbing others. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
