PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch are two popular options to consider. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, it offers a delightful typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are known for their smoothness and lighter typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack. Both switches fall under the 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched' categories, but offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Aniya features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and relatively muted sound that is pleasing to the ear. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both top housings offer satisfying sound profiles, they cater to different preferences - those who prefer a deeper, more muted sound may lean towards the Aniya, while fans of a sharper, clackier sound may prefer the Ink Box Pink.
On the bottom housing front, the Aniya and the Ink Box Pink once again showcase their differences. The Aniya's POM bottom housing complements its top housing, creating a cohesive sound profile that is deep and pleasing. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a pointed and higher-pitched sound that adds to the overall clacky sound experience. These bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, further emphasizing the differences in sound profiles between the two switches.
While the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in their sound profiles, they both offer a unique typing experience that is sure to delight keyboard enthusiasts. The split between top and bottom housings means that each switch will have distinct qualities that contribute to its overall sound profile. Whether you prefer the deeper, more muted sound of the Aniya or the sharper, clackier sound of the Ink Box Pink, both switches offer quality housing materials that are designed to enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of sound profile that best suits your typing style.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Aniya make it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Ink Box Pink provide a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding typing force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance that feels more substantial, the Ink Box Pink would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Aniya with its shorter travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice comes down to individual typing 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 Box Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch both have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. They both offer a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing a bright and percussive auditory experience. However, the Aniya leans slightly towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Ink Box Pink may have a lighter typing feel in comparison. Both switches will deliver satisfying sound feedback during use, depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, both the Aniya and the Ink Box Pink switches are described as providing a silky typing experience. They offer smooth and refined key travel, with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness when pressing and releasing keys. The Aniya switch is noted for its creamy and polished feel, creating a buttery typing sensation that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys. Likewise, the Ink Box Pink switch also offers a polished feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya may lean slightly towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Pink provides a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific setup in which they are used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a slightly lighter typing feel with a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be the better option. Consider your preferences in key feel and sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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