PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya and HMX EMO both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Aniya, a linear switch manufactured by BSUN, is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound but not overwhelmingly loud. Its smooth feel, medium-light actuation, and pleasant auditory experience make it a desirable option for those seeking a creamy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO switch from HMX offers a lively and clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. Factory-lubed for a bouncy and effortless typing experience, the EMO switch is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the HMX EMO both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the EMO uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the EMO's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience compared to the Aniya's POM bottom housing. Overall, the different housing materials in each keyboard contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
While both the Aniya and the EMO have housings that create unique sound profiles, they also share similarities in terms of their impact on key feel and sound. The softer POM housing in the Aniya's bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile, similar to the nylon bottom housing in the EMO. However, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing in the EMO produces a clearer and more resonant sound, contrasting with the deeper and more muted sound of the POM top housing in the Aniya. This demonstrates how different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience in keyboards.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in keyboards like the Aniya and EMO can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The Aniya's POM housing creates a unique deep and muted sound profile, while the EMO's polycarbonate and nylon housings contribute to sharper and fuller sounds. Understanding the properties of different housing materials, such as stiffness and sound absorption, is essential in selecting a keyboard that meets your preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a crisper, higher-pitched sound or a more muted, deeper sound, the housing materials used in a keyboard play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. Both switches are designed for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the Aniya is slightly heavier than the EMO in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the EMO might be the preferred choice. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches are quite similar, the slight differences in weight may impact the typing experience for some users.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the EMO switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers who value faster response times. The difference of 0.3 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel, the EMO switch may offer a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its medium-light actuation, producing a satisfying clacky sound that leans towards a more pronounced profile while offering a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch provides a lively and clacky typing experience with a feather-light bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy feel that is both satisfying and smooth. While the Aniya leans towards a slightly louder sound profile and a smoother feel, the EMO offers a more vibrant and bouncy typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and overall typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and a pleasant clacky sound profile, the Aniya may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light bottom-out force and a lively, bouncy typing feel, along with exceptional factory lubrication for a smooth experience, the EMO could be the better option for you. Consider what matters most to you in a keyboard switch - sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing experience - to make the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what suits you best.
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