PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are both linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience. The Aniya switch is praised for its balanced sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clack without being overly loud. Its smooth feel and medium-light actuation make every keystroke delightful. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a long-time favorite in the mechanical keyboard community. While both switches offer a polished typing experience, the Aniya switch tends to be higher-pitched and resonant while the Ink Black V2 is lower-pitched and bassy. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Black V2 have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Aniya's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a smooth typing experience for users. In contrast, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, adding a satisfying tactile feel to keystrokes. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Aniya and the Ink Black V2 play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya complements its top housing, resulting in a consistent and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron switch contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, creating a more distinct and lively typing experience. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both switches aim to provide users with a unique and enjoyable typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a keyboard switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While the Aniya and the Ink Black V2 may offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, the goal remains the same – to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a sharper and clacky sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ink Black V2 is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Aniya may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing experience or for extended use, such as in a work setting or during gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 may offer a more robust and substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and keypress feedback. Overall, the Aniya provides a lighter typing experience, while the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we can see that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Black V2. The Aniya's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Aniya providing a quicker, more responsive feel and the Ink Black V2 offering a more deliberate key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch features a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Ink Black V2 provides a smoother and more mellow tone.
Moving on to the feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This switch is designed to glide effortlessly under your fingers, providing a silky typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished feel, catering to a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize a refined and smooth typing experience, with the Aniya focusing on enhancing smoothness and the Ink Black V2 offering a safe middle-ground zone for most users.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy typing feel, elevating the auditory and tactile experience for users looking for a more pronounced sound and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a rich and bassy sound with a mild and polished typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper tone and a gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preference in sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with either switch option, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the sound and feel preferences that best suit your typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother downstroke with a rich clack and a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Ink Black V2 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel characteristics that align most closely with your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
