PH Studio Aniya vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aniya switch is known for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound that is not overwhelming. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, each keystroke on the Aniya switch is a delight. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Aniya switch offers a more clacky and resonant sound, the Ice King Linear provides a more subdued and frictionless 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya's housing materials of POM for both the top and bottom housing create a unique and deep sound profile that is relatively muted. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material of the Ice King Linear is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material of the Aniya. While both materials offer a pleasing typing experience, the POM housing of the Aniya may provide a slightly quieter sound compared to the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Ice King Linear, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housing of the Aniya create a deep and muted sound, while the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear produces a fuller and rounder sound. The impact of the housing material on the sound profile can be felt both when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. However, the specific qualities of each housing material may affect the overall typing feel and sound in slightly different ways.
In summary, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Ice King Linear play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While the POM housing of the Aniya offers a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper and more muted profile, the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear provides a fuller and rounder sound. Depending on personal preferences, typists may prefer the quieter sound of the Aniya's POM housing or the fuller sound of the Ice King Linear's nylon housing. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Aniya is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ice King Linear is the heavier option with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Aniya offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Overall, the Aniya and Ice King Linear switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of users who may prioritize either a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Aniya switch is slightly shorter than the Ice King Linear switch, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker key press. However, the Ice King Linear switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may provide a more tactile feel for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance 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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 more pronounced clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Aniya leaning towards a crisper and brighter sound compared to the Ice King's mellower tone. Whether you prefer a more striking clack or a softer thud, both switches cater to different sound preferences depending on your typing style and environment.
In terms of feel, the PH Studio Aniya switch is praised for its smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material which results in a creamy sensation. The switch offers medium-light actuation and a polished finish, contributing to a delightful typing feel where fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. Similarly, the Durock Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. With a focus on providing a frictionless and fluid key travel, the Ice King switch aims to offer a seamless typing experience for users who value smoothness and ease of keystrokes.
Overall, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya leans towards a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing sensation, the Ice King provides a more subdued sound and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements of your typing setup. However, rest assured that with either switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams that produces a slightly clacky sound profile and feels smooth due to its Ly stem material, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams that offers a silky smooth typing experience with nylon construction and factory lube, the Ice King Linear could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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