PH Studio Aniya vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, one immediately notices the differences in sound profile. The Aniya switch has a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Foggy Shadow offers a lighter, more neutral sound. The Aniya switch is known for its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, providing a delightful keystroke experience, while the Foggy Shadow features a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort. Each switch caters to different preferences - the Aniya for those who enjoy a clackier sound and smooth keystrokes, and the Foggy Shadow for those who prefer a lighter tactile bump with balanced performance. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and Aflion Foggy Shadow both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Aniya featuring a POM top and bottom housing while the Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Aniya creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow produces a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Aniya's POM bottom housing again delivers a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow elicits a fuller and softer sound. The nylon material of the Foggy Shadow absorbs more sound than POM, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users of both switches, with each material providing a unique feel and sound signature.
When comparing the overall typing experience of the PH Studio Aniya and Aflion Foggy Shadow, it is evident that the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches offer unique characteristics, such as the POM top housing of the Aniya creating a pleasing sound and the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow producing a sharper sound, the different bottom housing materials further differentiate the two switches. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, which does not specify an actuation force. However, the Aniya also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Aniya switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the Foggy Shadow switch will require a bit more force for a more substantial feel. Those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Aniya, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. The Aniya offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the travel distance that feels most comfortable and natural to the user.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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 slightly clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, resulting in a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper sound of the Aniya or the more balanced sound of the Foggy Shadow, taking into account their choice of board and keycaps to further influence the overall sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya linear switch stands out for its creamy and smooth typing experience, characterized by a buttery sensation that makes keystrokes feel effortless and silky. Conversely, information on the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, the Aniya's description of a polished and refined finish suggests a high-quality typing feel that caters to those who enjoy a smooth and refined keystroke.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and potential similarities in feel, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Aniya excels in providing a clacky and creamy typing experience, the Foggy Shadow aims for a more balanced sound profile with a lighter tactile bump. Ultimately, it's essential for newcomers to consider their personal preferences in sound and feel when selecting between these two switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Aniya switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Foggy Shadow switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure a satisfying keyboard experience.
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