PH Studio Aniya vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for users seeking a specific typing experience. The Aniya switch is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. Its smooth feel and medium-light actuation make every keystroke a delight for users. On the other hand, the Holly switch stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements. While the Aniya switch offers a creamy and polished typing experience, the Holly switch provides a more neutral and balanced 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
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and Dareu Holly keyboards feature different housing materials that greatly affect the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Aniya's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the keyboard. In contrast, the Aniya's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep sound profile, while the Holly's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The choice of housing material for the top and bottom of the switches in the Aniya and Holly keyboards impacts the overall typing experience. With POM top and bottom housing in the Aniya, the deeper sound profile is consistent throughout key presses, providing a cohesive typing experience. On the other hand, the split between polycarbonate and nylon in the Holly results in a mix of sharper and duller sounds depending on which part of the switch is being pressed. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel versus the top housing on the sound when releasing a key further differentiates the typing experience of these two keyboards.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya and Dareu Holly keyboards showcase the unique characteristics of POM, polycarbonate, and nylon housing materials. While the Aniya's POM housing creates a pleasing and unique sound, the Holly's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the choice of housing material in a keyboard can significantly impact the typing experience and overall feel of the switches. Both keyboards offer distinct advantages based on their housing material choices, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Aniya requires a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Holly switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Holly switch may offer a more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation force. Both switches take into account the weight preference of users, with the Aniya being lighter and suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Holly offers a stronger push feel for those seeking a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual user preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Holly switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya switch. In general, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while a 3.2 mm travel distance is shorter and favored by gamers for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive press with the Aniya switch or a longer, deeper press with the Holly switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aniya linear switch is characterized by a clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile, providing users with a sharp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Holly tactile switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky elements, catering to those seeking a balanced and distinctive typing sound. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clackiness, the Holly switch stands out with its unique chirpy sound signature. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound profiles that can cater to varied user preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch boasts a creamy and polished typing experience, thanks to the smoothness provided by the Ly stem material and medium-light actuation. This results in a silky sensation that enhances the overall typing feel, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, if the Holly switch provides a similarly smooth and buttery typing experience, users can expect a comparable level of tactile satisfaction as with the Aniya switch.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer distinct sound profiles and potentially comparable tactile experiences based on the available information. Whether you prefer the clacky and medium-pitched sound of the Aniya or the unique chirpy elements of the Holly, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Pairing these switches with a suitable keyboard and keycaps can further enhance the overall typing experience, making them both solid choices for newcomers looking to delve into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you value a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, the Aniya might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully to make the best decision between these two distinct mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own strengths and characteristics, catering to different user preferences.
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