PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation, making each keystroke smooth and delightful. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is known for its balanced tactile feel with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, producing a softer, rounded sound profile. While the Aniya leans towards a more high-pitched and clacky experience, the Gold Brown offers a more neutral and buttery 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and TTC Gold Brown both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Aniya's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown allows for a more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Aniya's POM bottom housing offers a similar deep and muted sound, whereas the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature.
While the Aniya and Gold Brown differ in their top and bottom housing materials, the impact on sound and feel is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether POM or nylon, influence the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, whether POM or polycarbonate, has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of roles between the top and bottom housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown offers translucency ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Aniya provides a unique and pleasing look. Both switches offer a mix of functionality and style through their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound, feel, and visual appeal. Whether opting for the deeper and fuller sound of POM in the Aniya or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown, users can expect a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter in both aspects. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Aniya make it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gold Brown provides a medium actuation and bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Aniya switch. A shorter travel distance, like that of the Aniya switch, is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, a longer travel distance, like that of the Gold Brown switch, may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. The Aniya switch leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Gold Brown switch maintains a balanced and soft sound profile. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, but users looking for a sharper sound may prefer the Aniya, while those seeking a more moderate sound may lean towards the Gold Brown.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aniya offers a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and effortless feel to each keystroke. The Gold Brown switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and buttery typing sensation, offering a more gentle and uniform keypress experience. The Aniya switch is known for its remarkably smooth feel due to the stem material used, while the Gold Brown switch provides an approachable and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a different tactile feedback, with the Aniya leaning towards a polished and silky feel, while the Gold Brown offers a mild and buttery typing sensation.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provide distinct sound and feel characteristics for users to choose from based on their preferences. The Aniya switch offers a sharper, clacky sound profile with a creamy and polished typing experience, while the Gold Brown switch delivers a balanced and neutral sound with a mild and buttery feel. Depending on whether users prefer a more pronounced sound and smooth feel or a moderate sound with a gentle typing experience, they can select the switch that best suits their preferences. Additionally, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring users will get similar results in terms of performance and quality.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more clacky sound profile with a smoother feel and a light actuation force, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a balanced sound profile with a moderate bump and weightiness, the Gold Brown could be more fitting. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style. So, take into account what characteristics are most important to you when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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