PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Aniya offers a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactile bump and subdued sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more understated typing experience. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aniya's POM top and bottom housings create a pleasing deep and muted sound, while the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Aniya's POM bottom housing. The choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing can impact the overall sound of the switch, with POM resulting in a more subdued sound and polycarbonate providing a clearer and more resonant sound.
The aesthetic aspect of the housing materials also plays a role in the overall design of the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the Gold Brown Pro switches. In comparison, the Aniya switches with their POM housing may not offer the same level of visual customization with RGB lighting. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch also contributes to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, while both the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, they cater to different preferences in sound profiles and tactile experiences. The choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing can significantly impact the overall sound profile of the switches, with POM offering a deeper and muted sound, and polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of nylon in the Gold Brown Pro's bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Aniya's POM bottom housing. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in mechanical keyboards allows for customization and personalization based on individual preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Aniya may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Gold Brown Pro's 3.8 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold Brown Pro's longer travel distance might be preferred by those seeking a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, contributing to a more deep and mellow tone when pressed. The Aniya's sound leans towards a more pronounced clacky profile, while the Gold Brown Pro maintains a subtle and understated sound signature. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya being more pronounced and the Gold Brown Pro being more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience due to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a buttery sensation while typing, providing ease and comfort with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its polished and silky feel, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a refined typing experience. The differences in feel between the two switches lie in the nuances of their tactile feedback and smoothness, with the Aniya prioritizing a silky smooth experience and the Gold Brown Pro focusing on a polished and refined feel.
Overall, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience tailored to different preferences. Whether you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound with a creamy feel or a subtle thocky sound with a polished feel, both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile, tactile feedback, and typing smoothness.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best align with your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a smooth, medium-light actuation, the Aniya switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile bump with a subdued sound profile that allows you to stay focused on your tasks without distraction, the Gold Brown Pro switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences, so trust your instincts and choose the switch that feels right for you.
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