PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preferences in sound and feel, and two popular linear switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Ice, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Aniya, manufactured by BSUN, is celebrated for its clacky yet well-balanced sound profile, providing an engaging auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. Its Ly stem material contributes to a remarkably smooth typing sensation with a medium-light actuation, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a tactile delight with every keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Ice switches impress with their striking transparent design and smooth, responsive action that balances both gaming and everyday typing needs. These switches are known for their satisfying bottom-out sound, creating an enjoyable experience for users looking for a versatile option. While both switches offer their distinct advantages, the Aniya leans more towards an auditory experience while the Ice aims for clarity and responsiveness. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Ice employ distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Aniya uses POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. This material is praised for creating a sound that is pleasing, deep, and relatively muted, which can lead to a more subdued keypress experience. In contrast, the TTC Ice features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials results in two markedly different auditory experiences when typing on these switches.
When considering the aesthetic aspects, the materials further diverge in function. The POM of the Aniya creates a uniform look contributing to a cohesive design, while the translucency of the polycarbonate used in the TTC Ice offers an advantage for RGB lighting setups. The clear housing not only enhances visual appeal but also allows the RGB lighting to shine through more effectively, creating vibrant color displays. This characteristic makes the Ice particularly suited for users who value aesthetic customization alongside auditory feedback, as the sound produced is sharper and more resonant compared to that of the Aniya.
If one were to use a switch with mixed housing materials—combining the POM from the Aniya and polycarbonate from the Ice—the auditory outcomes would depend on the distribution of the materials in the switch. For instance, with a polycarbonate top housing, you would likely experience a brighter release sound while pressing down would still generate a deeper impact due to the POM bottom housing. Thus, even though the Aniya and the Ice are made from different materials, it is possible to achieve balanced results by judiciously mixing POM and polycarbonate. The resulting combination could leverage the strengths of both housing types for users looking to customize their typing experience effectively.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the TTC Ice linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience ideal for extended usage, such as long work hours or intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel when typing, which may appeal to those who favor a stronger push. Thus, the Aniya is the lighter option, catering to those who value comfort and endurance, while the Ice is heavier, providing a firmer tactile experience. Overall, users can expect a distinct experience based on these force differences when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, whereas the Ice features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Aniya may offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those who favor quick key presses, while the Ice allows for a deeper key press experience, which might be preferred by users who appreciate a more tactile feedback. In summary, the Aniya is the shorter switch, providing a quicker response, whereas the Ice is the longer switch, offering a more substantial depth with each keystroke.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch exhibits a unique auditory profile that is clacky and high-pitched, delivering a sharp and snappy sound during use. This crisp and bright sound offers a satisfying experience without being overly loud, making it ideal for both office and casual environments. In contrast, the TTC Ice linear switch does not have specific sound characteristics described, but its transparent design suggests that it may also provide an enjoyable sound profile. However, the absence of detailed sound descriptions leaves its auditory qualities unknown compared to the Aniya.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch stands out with its remarkably smooth typing experience, often characterized as creamy, polished, and silky. This ensures an effortless gliding motion for users, allowing for easy key travel and enhancing the overall typing enjoyment. Unfortunately, there is no specific description provided for the feel of the TTC Ice switch, which leaves a gap in comparing its tactile experience directly with that of the Aniya. Thus, while the Aniya guarantees a smooth and luxurious typing feel, the lack of information about the Ice's texture leaves its tactile qualities uncertain.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is well-regarded for its clacky sound profile and creamy, polished feel, the TTC Ice switch has an undefined auditory and tactile character. Users looking for the balanced experience offered by the Aniya can expect a premium auditory and tactile sensation, whereas those considering the Ice will need to investigate further to understand its complete performance. The Aniya’s precise descriptions enable users to anticipate the typing experience effectively, while the Ice remains a mystery in terms of its qualities. Ultimately, those who appreciate the subtle nuances in sound and feel may gravitate towards the Aniya for a more defined and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, your choice largely depends on your personal preferences regarding switch feel, sound profile, and typing dynamics. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Aniya switch may be ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound that is still pleasant and not overly loud. Its smooth and creamy feel enhances the typing experience, making it a suitable choice for typists who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial bottom-out force and a typing experience that is versatile enough for both gaming and everyday use, the TTC Ice switch with its 60 grams of resistance might be your go-to option. Though it doesn't have a detailed sound profile, its crystal-clear design and responsive feel can provide a fulfilling auditory experience while maintaining solid performance across different applications. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lighter, smoother touch with a distinct sound or a heavier, equally smooth switch with a refined feel that supports both gaming and typing activities effectively.
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