PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Hibiscus both offer compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is heralded for its balanced sound profile that leans towards a distinct clacky tone without being overbearing, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a smooth typing experience. Its medium-light actuation and Ly stem material provide an engaging feel, ideal for both novice and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus excels with an ultra-light actuation force, ensuring that even the most effortless keystrokes deliver a satisfying sensation. This switch stands out with its poppy, crispy sound signature, appealing to those who prioritize an ultra-responsive and lively typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and actuation, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard arena. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Hibiscus offer several similarities and distinctions that contribute to their overall acoustic profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM, a durable thermoplastic, is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound, characterized by a deeper and somewhat muted tone. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a sound that is not only duller but also rounder compared to harder plastics.
Despite the differences in the materials used, both housing types lead to a similar auditory outcome in terms of depth and fullness. The POM housings of the Aniya create a compelling acoustic experience due to their unique properties, while the nylon used in the Hibiscus similarly fosters a rounded sound profile. The key distinction lies in the nature of each material's acoustic absorption characteristics – POM provides a muted sound while nylon yields a fuller sound. Although the specific auditory profiles differ, both switches are optimized for creating rich acoustic experiences that are favored in typist communities.
When it comes to how these housing materials affect the switch's performance, the roles played by the top and bottom housings become crucial. In both the Aniya and Hibiscus, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and the tactile experience, with the softer nylon presumably contributing to a less harsh bottom-out feel for the Hibiscus. Meanwhile, the top housing plays a vital role in the release sound when a key is pressed. Therefore, despite the differences in material composition, both switches can achieve similar results in sound depth and typing experience through their respective designs, showcasing how different materials can still yield harmoniously rich auditory experiences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation force, with both requiring 42 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the initial keystroke feel, which is advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming due to their lighter touch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aniya switch has a slightly higher force of 50 grams compared to the Hibiscus's 48 grams. This means that while both switches are classified as light, the Aniya provides a marginally heavier resistance upon bottoming out, giving it a slightly more substantial feel at the end of a keystroke. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter feel for extensive use might gravitate towards either option, but the Hibiscus could offer a marginally softer experience when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Hibiscus measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel for faster input, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Hibiscus, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and deeper experience that some users may find preferable for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Thus, if you are looking for speed and quickness in response, the Aniya would be the better choice, whereas the Hibiscus is ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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, both the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Hibiscus linear switches exhibit a clacky auditory signature that enhances the typing experience. The Aniya, however, presents a more complex auditory profile, characterized by a pronounced clack that is not excessively loud but certainly sharp and snappy. This makes the Aniya suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing sound without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Hibiscus focuses solely on a crisp and bright clacky sound, noted for its satisfying pop and subtlety. While they share this clacky quality, the Aniya's sound has greater depth with its resonant traits, potentially offering a richer auditory experience, depending on the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
When considering feel, the Aniya switches are known for their creamy and silky smoothness, providing a highly enjoyable typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material contributes to a buttery, gliding sensation as your fingers effortlessly move across the keys. This level of smoothness might appeal to typists seeking a fluid experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Hibiscus switches are described as bouncy and feathery, giving a lively, spring-like feedback with exceptionally light actuation. This might be especially favorable for those who prioritize ease of use and comfort, particularly during extended typing sessions. While the Aniya emphasizes luxurious smoothness, the Hibiscus provides a responsive and light touch that invigorates the typing experience.
In summary, both switches deliver delightful auditory and tactile experiences but do so in their own unique fashion. The Aniya offers a more complex sound profile combined with a smooth typing feel, ideal for those who appreciate a nuanced auditory experience paired with a delightful touch sensation. The Hibiscus, while sharing the clacky sound profile, provides an ultra-light actuation that enhances comfort during prolonged use, making it an excellent choice for a bouncy, responsive typing feel. Ultimately, if you seek similar auditory enjoyment and smoothness from both switches, your preference in these distinctive characteristics will guide your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel in your typing experience. If you appreciate a smooth, creamy feel with a pleasant auditory backdrop, the Aniya might be your ideal choice. Its balanced clackiness and silky texture encourage a satisfying typing rhythm, making it an excellent option for both casual typing and extended work sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards an ultra-light actuation and crave a bouncy, feathery feedback, the Hibiscus switch could be more aligned with your needs. With its satisfyingly crispy sound profile and reduced finger fatigue, it’s particularly suitable for intense gaming or tasks that require quick and repeated keystrokes. Ultimately, evaluating your typing style and how sound and feel impact your experience will guide you toward the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard setup.
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