PH Studio Aniya vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and Dareu Dream offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aniya, a linear switch manufactured by BSun, is renowned for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke on the Aniya is a delight. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream stands out for its light linear option and attractive price point, making it a top choice for enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Dream each offer unique qualities that impact the overall sound profile of the switches. The Aniya features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Dream's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing an aesthetic advantage. In contrast, the Aniya's POM bottom housing delivers a similar deep and muted sound profile compared to the Dream's nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
While both the Aniya and the Dream offer different housing materials for their top and bottom, the qualities of each material are split between the two components of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switch. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience through their respective housing materials.
Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, and nylon for the bottom housing, ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. The POM top housing of the Aniya creates a different sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Dream, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dream offers a different typing experience than the POM bottom housing of the Aniya. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to individual preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch reveals some key differences. The Aniya has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Dream's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams while the Dream's force is unknown. This makes the Aniya a slightly lighter switch compared to the Dream, which may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Dream's force is unavailable, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of key press pressure. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch, which is 4 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Dream provides a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key, which some individuals may prefer for a more tactile feel. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing which one suits your typing or gaming style best.
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 Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 recognized for its slightly clacky sound profile that is not excessively loud, but definitely noticeable. The Dareu Dream switch shares this clacky characteristic, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, but the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Dream sticks to a lighter sound profile. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle typing experience. The Aniya switch boasts a remarkably smooth feel thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material, while the Dream switch offers a low-impact and responsive typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with their respective unique qualities.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Aniya switch leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a creamy, polished feel, the Dream switch provides a lighter sound and an easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant and satisfying typing experience, giving users the opportunity to choose based on their specific preferences for sound and feel. Whether you opt for the Aniya or the Dream, you can expect quality and performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a smooth, medium-light actuation, then the Aniya switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable option with a light linear feel and easy-to-press keys, then the Dream switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision would depend on whether you prioritize sound quality or typing comfort in your mechanical keyboard experience. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
