PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, one's preferences can greatly influence the overall typing experience. The PH Studio Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its distinctively clacky sound profile that strikes a balance between audibility and pleasantness. With a medium-light actuation and a smooth feel due to its Ly stem material, the Aniya offers a sensory delight for users who appreciate a richer auditory feedback without being too loud. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative, featuring a satisfying, poppy sound that enhances the tactile experience without overwhelming the senses. This switch is advantageous for those seeking dependable performance without breaking the bank, characteristic of Gateron’s reputable craftsmanship. While both switches boast smooth operation and a linear feel, they cater to slightly different audiences—one aiming for a more pronounced sound experience and the other focusing on cost-effective reliability. 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
55g
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
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which delivers a deeper, more muted sound profile. This material is known for its acoustic properties, producing a pleasing and unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, which is associated with a higher-pitched and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to this sharper auditory feedback, which makes it particularly resonant. While both materials can create enjoyable sounds, the Aniya's POM offers a softer, more rounded auditory experience, whereas the Everfree Cedar's polycarbonate top lends a more vibrant and pronounced quality.
The bottom housings of the Aniya and Everfree Cedar also display contrasting characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. The Aniya employs a POM bottom housing that mirrors the qualities found in its top housing: it produces a deeper, more muted sound. This can lead to a cohesive audio signature that reinforces the Aniya's warm and rich sound profile. On the other hand, the Everfree Cedar features a nylon bottom housing, traditionally known to generate a full and rounder sound due to nylon’s softer, sound-absorbing properties. Consequently, the nylon bottom dampens sound more effectively than POM, enhancing the muted quality of the overall switch. Thus, the different materials used in the bottom housing also play a significant role in how each switch feels and sounds during operation.
When you combine the qualities of both the top and bottom housings, the distinct acoustic properties of each switch come into play during use. The Aniya's consistent POM material across the top and bottom contributes to a unified sound experience, ensuring that the deeper musical notes resonate throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Everfree Cedar's combination of a rigid polycarbonate top and a softer nylon bottom results in a more complex sound profile, allowing for a wider range of auditory feedback based on the action of pressing down the keys and the release. If you were to employ sound-dampening techniques or modifications to alter the POM and nylon materials, you might achieve similar resonant effects; however, the fundamental differences in their material properties would likely still yield distinct overall experiences when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of weight and tactile experience. The Aniya features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everfree Cedar has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which caters to those who might appreciate a more substantial typing experience, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. Therefore, while the Aniya is the lighter option overall and promotes prolonged use, the Everfree Cedar offers a firmer resistance that some users may find more satisfying. As a result, if you're looking for a switch that enhances comfort during long usage periods, the Aniya may be more advantageous, whereas the Cedar may appeal to those who prefer a sturdier feel in their switches.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aniya having a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Everfree (EF) Cedar measures a bit more at 3.6 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel during gameplay. On the other hand, the Everfree switch, with its longer travel distance, might be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience while typing or gaming, finding the extra depth more satisfying. In summary, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Aniya is the better choice, whereas the Everfree offers a more traditional and deeper switch 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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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
When it comes to the sound profile, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out with its distinct clacky and high-pitched tonal qualities, providing an engaging auditory experience that leans towards being pronounced without overwhelming the typist. This balance, characterized by a crisp and percussive nature, makes each keystroke engaging and noticeable, akin to the resonant quality of marbly sounds. Meanwhile, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, while also delivering a satisfying sound profile, is classified more broadly as poppy, indicating a lively yet less defined acoustic character. Though the Everfree Cedar may not match the Aniya’s specific clackiness, both switches will still produce clear auditory feedback that can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap materials chosen.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch reigns supreme with its creamy, polished, and silky sensation, creating a typing experience that feels smooth and buttery with minimal resistance. The use of Ly as the stem material enhances this luxurious tactile feedback, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys that typists often find appealing. On the contrary, specific details about the feel of the Gateron Everfree Cedar switch remain unknown, which leaves potential users to rely on general expectations associated with Gateron's renowned build quality. Nonetheless, consumers can anticipate a reliable and satisfactory typing experience, though the exact nuances remain to be discovered.
In summary, both the PH Studio Aniya and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches offer unique auditory experiences; the Aniya excelling in a pronounced clacky sound while the Cedar is more poppy. The Aniya's luxurious feel sets it apart, ensuring a delightful typing experience, whereas the Cedar's tactile characteristics are still largely undefined. If you're exploring these options, you'll find that each offers valuable attributes, with the Aniya's specific qualities making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you value a lighter bottom-out force, a clacky and engaging sound profile, and a remarkably smooth feel, the Aniya is an excellent choice for you. Its harmonious auditory feedback and creamy, polished typing experience can enhance your overall enjoyment while typing or gaming, making it ideal for users who appreciate a lively sound and a tactile response. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that offers smooth and reliable performance, the Everfree Cedar may be the right fit, especially if you prioritize cost-effectiveness. While you won't find a detailed sound profile, its performance in typing scenarios remains dependable. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your specific needs—whether you’re after auditory feedback and smooth tactile satisfaction or straightforward performance on a budget.
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