PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aniya, a linear switch, is known for its harmonious sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. The smooth feel of the switches, coupled with a medium-light actuation, ensures a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U, also a linear switch, boasts a fuller travel distance and a bouncier feel thanks to its 22mm spring. Crafted from nylon, these switches produce a softer, bassier sound signature. While the Aniya excels in providing a clacky and creamy typing experience, the Hyacinth V2U offers a more traditional typing feel with added bounciness. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Aniya features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
While the Aniya uses a consistent POM housing material throughout, the Hyacinth V2U incorporates a nylon bottom housing. This variation in materials affects the sound profile of each switch differently. The Aniya's POM bottom housing contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the Hyacinth V2U's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may appeal to users looking for specific sound characteristics in their switches.
Overall, the housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U offer contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM and polycarbonate housing materials create distinct auditory experiences, with the POM resulting in a deeper and more muted sound, and the polycarbonate producing a sharper and crisper sound. The inclusion of different materials for the top and bottom housings in the switches further enhances the overall typing experience, with each material contributing its own unique qualities to the sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience with their linear design. However, when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force, there are some differences. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Hyacinth V2U's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. On the other hand, the Aniya switch still requires a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is slightly higher than the Hyacinth V2U's 52 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a similar typing experience, but the Aniya is lighter overall while the Hyacinth V2U is a bit heavier, making them suitable for different preferences in typing force.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Hyacinth V2U provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, with the Aniya being the shorter option and the Hyacinth V2U being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U for $2.91.
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 PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and pronounced auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch offers a softer, bassier sound signature, thanks to its nylon construction. While the Aniya leans towards a more traditional and crisp sound, the Hyacinth V2U brings a more subdued and neutral typing sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a clacky and sharp sound or a softer and more neutral typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Aniya and the Hyacinth V2U switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Aniya, with its stem material made from Ly, provides a remarkably smooth feel with a medium-light actuation, making every keystroke delightful. Similarly, the Hyacinth V2U boasts polished and silky key travel, offering reduced friction and smooth key presses. Both switches prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switches differ in their sound profiles and material compositions, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Aniya offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth feel, the Hyacinth V2U provides a softer, bassier sound signature with a polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2U linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation and smooth feel, the Aniya may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a fuller travel distance with a softer, bassier sound signature and added bounciness, the Hyacinth V2U could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound profile, actuation force, and typing feel. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style.
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