PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Gold Red linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The Aniya, manufactured by BSUN, offers a pronounced clacky sound profile that is not overwhelmingly loud, making it a pleasant auditory experience. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke feels delightful. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, adding a snappy sound profile to your keyboard. While the Aniya leans towards a more clacky sound profile and the Gold Red offers a subtle touch of personality, both switches excel in providing a smooth 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Gold Red switches offer contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aniya's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. In comparison, the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of the switch, making each keyboard setup distinctly different in terms of typing feedback.
Despite their differences, both the Aniya and Gold Red switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality and tactile feedback. While the Aniya's POM top and bottom housings create a consistent deep and muted sound profile, the Gold Red's use of polycarbonate and nylon materials offers a more varied and dynamic typing experience. The clear polycarbonate used in the Gold Red's top housing not only enhances RGB lighting but also contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red provides a softer and fuller sound, showcasing how different materials can alter the overall typing feel.
Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate as well as nylon for housing materials in switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Aniya's POM housing offers a pleasing and unique sound profile, the Gold Red's polycarbonate and nylon combination provides a sharper and fuller sound experience. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a more customizable feel depending on whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality and tactile feedback, demonstrating how even subtle differences in materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, both switches have a light actuation force, with the Aniya requiring 42 grams and the Gold Red requiring 43 grams to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press the keys. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, both switches would be suitable options. However, for individuals who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for a switch with a higher actuation force. Overall, the differences in actuation force between the Aniya and Gold Red switches are minimal, making them both viable options for users seeking a light and consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the TTC Gold Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gold Red may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being on the longer end and the Aniya on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
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 Red 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 Red 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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and satisfying typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya leaning towards a louder and sharper sound, while the Gold Red provides a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is celebrated for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with every keystroke. Conversely, the Gold Red switch is known for its mild and subtle feel, providing a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground resistance level. Despite the differences in descriptors, both switches ensure a smooth and refined typing experience, whether it be through a silky sensation or a polished finish.
Taking all of the available information into account, it is evident that the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Gold Red linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya switch provides a more clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and silky feel, the Gold Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a mild and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference regarding sound profile and tactile feedback. However, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of performance and overall enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the TTC Gold Red linear switch, you should take into account the sound and feel preferences that best suit your typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, the Aniya switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious, then the Gold Red switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel characteristics that align best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
