PH Studio Aniya vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer unique characteristics to consider. The Aniya, a linear switch, is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. The smooth feel and medium-light actuation make each keystroke a delight for users seeking a creamy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Firefly switch stands out as a quiet tactile option with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness, providing an easy-to-press and chirpy typing experience. While these general descriptions offer a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, delving deeper into their specific features and functionalities will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
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 Firefly offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Aniya's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Aniya's POM bottom housing and the Firefly's nylon bottom housing also contribute to the overall sound profile, with POM offering a deeper sound and nylon providing a fuller sound. These differences in housing materials allow for a variety of sound options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite their differences, both the Aniya and Firefly housings demonstrate the importance of housing materials in influencing sound. The use of POM in the Aniya creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end, while the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing offers a brighter and more high-pitched sound. Both housing materials have their own distinct advantages, with POM providing a muted and deep sound, and polycarbonate offering a clearer and resonant tone. Additionally, the use of nylon in the Firefly's bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Aniya's POM bottom housing. These contrasting qualities showcase the impact that housing materials have on the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Aniya and Firefly also play a role in determining the overall look of the switch. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Firefly's top housing makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the opaque nature of POM in the Aniya provides a more traditional appearance. Both materials offer their own unique aesthetic appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of design. Overall, the choice of housing material not only influences the sound but also contributes to the overall look and feel of the keyboard switch.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Firefly's 40 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams, while the Firefly's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, some prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their personal preference for a typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Firefly has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Firefly being on the more traditional side and the Aniya on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Aniya with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more tactile feel may opt for the Firefly with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly 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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with just a hint of clickiness, making it a more subdued option compared to the Aniya. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the user's preference for a more pronounced clacky sound or a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is praised for its creamy and smooth typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a silky sensation when typing, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reduced friction during key presses. Conversely, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a smooth and buttery typing experience or a low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Firefly offers a quieter typing experience with easy-to-press keys. Both switches cater to different preferences, so selecting the right switch would depend on whether the user prioritizes sound profile, typing feel, or a combination of both qualities. Overall, both switches are excellent choices that will provide a satisfying typing experience based on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet switch with a light actuation and just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when typing. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style best.
Mentioned in this article
