PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the PH Studio Aniya and Gateron Glory Red linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Aniya, manufactured by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonious sound profile, merging a pleasant clacky resonance with a notably smooth keystroke, thanks to its Ly stem material. This lightweight actuation creates a delightful typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, Gateron Glory Red switches are known for their lighter feel and excellent travel distance, making them an attractive choice for gamers or typists who prefer swift and effortless keystrokes. While both switches provide smooth operation, the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced sound profile, adding character to every keystroke, whereas the Glory Red prioritizes a soft and neutral acoustic profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

PH Studio Aniya Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Glory Red switches, we see a divergence in their composition that influences the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Aniya features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This consistency in material allows for harmonized acoustics, where the sound generated when pressing and releasing keys is cohesive. Conversely, the Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic plastic known for its softer texture that promotes a deeper and fuller sound. This distinction suggests that while both switches may ultimately aim for deeper sound profiles, they achieve this through different materials that provide slightly varied acoustic properties.

Despite the differing materials, both the Aniya's POM and the Glory Red's nylon have soft qualities that allow for sound absorption, contributing to similar auditory outcomes in terms of depth and fullness. The POM housing provides a unique finesse to the sound due to its rigid properties that create a distinct acoustic signature, while nylon contributes a warm and rounded sound due to its ability to dampen vibrations. When using the Aniya, the user might notice a more distinctly muted sound when bottoming out, whereas the Glory Red might exhibit a fuller bodied sound even while being pressed. Ultimately, both designs leverage their respective materials to create switches that yield satisfying auditory feedback, while the nuances in sound quality add to distinct user experiences.

Another aspect to consider is how each housing material impacts the tactile experience. The POM used in the Aniya may have a slight edge in providing a more refined and tighter fit, potentially contributing to a more precise and stable keypress. In contrast, the nylon of the Glory Red may offer a slightly softer touch that feels more forgiving during use, translating to a different tactile sensation that some typists may prefer. In this way, while the ultimate sound profile aims for similar results in depth and richness, it is the unique interplay of materials within each switch that creates different tactile responses, elucidating the preference for one over the other depending on individual typing styles and preferences.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and the information available on their bottom out forces. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Glory Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. The Aniya's bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating a responsive yet comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Glory Red's bottom out force is unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding its total pressure needed to bottom out. Because of this, one can't directly compare the bottom out forces. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch may prefer the PH Studio Aniya, while those leaning towards a slightly heavier switch may find the Gateron Glory Red more to their liking.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Glory Red measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter of the two options, offering a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Glory Red, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, provides a deeper engagement that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, with the Aniya favoring responsiveness and the Glory Red catering to those who enjoy a deeper key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya switches deliver a distinctive clacky profile that provides crisp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sharp sound contributes to an engaging typing experience without being overwhelmingly loud, as they maintain a balance that makes them suitable for both work and leisure. The overall resonance offers a clean and immersive sound, giving users an enjoyable acoustic environment as they type. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches lack specific descriptions of their sound profile, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in this regard.

In terms of feel, the Aniya switches truly shine with their exceptionally smooth characteristics. They are described as creamy, polished, and silky, which means users can expect a very satisfying tactile sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This is likely due to the combination of the stem material (Ly) and possibly factory lubrication, resulting in minimal friction and a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches are noted for their smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, suggesting a comfortable typing experience. However, without more information, it's difficult to establish how they compare directly to the Aniya's extraordinary feel.

In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switches boast a well-defined sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches, though smooth in their own right, lack sufficient detail in their sound characteristics to draw a complete comparison. The Aniya's clacky and resonant auditory feedback is a standout feature, paired with a creamy tactile experience that enhances every keystroke. While the Glory Red’s attributes indicate a pleasant experience, the nuances of their performance remain less clear, leaving room for personal exploration to discover the perfect switch for one’s typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, your individual preferences and typing needs play a crucial role. If you appreciate a switch that strikes a harmonious balance between auditory feedback and smoothness, the Aniya is the better choice. With its clacky sound profile and creamy, polished feel, it offers a delightful typing experience that emphasizes both sound and tactile satisfaction. This switch shines for those who enjoy a bit of auditory engagement without overwhelming noise, making it ideal for casual typing or gaming sessions where you want to maintain a pleasant ambiance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter switch that provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance but isn't as pronounced in sound, then the Gateron Glory Red may suit your needs. Although specific details on its sound profile are less defined, its lighter actuation can be advantageous for those who prefer to type rapidly or for extended periods without feeling fatigued. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more engaging auditory experience or a super-light touch for efficiency and speed.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Aniya Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more