PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its pleasant clacky sound profile and smooth feel due to the Ly stem material, offers a medium-light actuation that makes typing a delight. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. Both switches share a clacky sound profile and high-pitched tones, but the Aniya has a more pronounced clack while the Ink Box Black leans towards a smoother sound. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Black offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the Aniya's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and higher-pitched clacky sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how different housing materials can affect the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aniya's POM bottom housing further enhances the deep and pleasing sound profile, while the INK blend bottom housing adds to the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Gateron switch.
Although the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Black differ in sound profiles, both switches prioritize creating a unique and satisfying typing experience for users. The split between top and bottom housings allows for distinct qualities to be felt and heard during typing. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. This division of qualities showcases how the combination of different housing materials can create a dynamic and nuanced typing experience.
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it is evident that each switch offers a specialized sound profile and tactile feedback. The POM housings of the Aniya create a deep and muted sound, while the proprietary INK blend housings of the Ink Box Black provide a more sharp and clacky typing experience. Both switches prioritize uniqueness in sound and feel, catering to enthusiasts who value a distinct typing experience. Whether opting for the Aniya or the Ink Box Black, users can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch with top and bottom housings that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch are quite different. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Aniya makes it easier to type for longer periods of time, which is ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on the force required, and users can choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black may provide a more substantial and deliberate feeling when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 has a clacky profile that leans towards a more pronounced sharp and snappy sound, making each keystroke crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch also provides a clacky sound but with a high-pitched sharp and crisp tone, resembling the noise of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience based on personal taste and keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is lauded for its creamy sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. With a medium-light actuation, each keystroke on the Aniya switch is delightfully smooth, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch also provides a silky smooth type feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, creating a refined and sleek typing experience. Both switches offer a luxurious typing feel that enhances the overall smoothness of keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing a premium typing experience. The Aniya switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy feel, appealing to those who enjoy a sharper sound and buttery keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch boasts a clacky sound and silky feel, catering to individuals who prefer a sharper tone and smooth typing sensation. Regardless of the choice between the two switches, both offer high-quality performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation, the Aniya may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a silky feel, the Ink Box Black might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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