PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, with its harmonious balance in sound profile and smooth feel, offers a pleasant auditory experience with a pronounced clacky sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a shorter travel and a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, showcasing a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. While the Aniya is categorized as 'Creamy' and 'High-pitched', the Ink Yellow is labeled as 'Neutral' and 'Mild'. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them suitable choices depending on individual 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The POM top and bottom housing of the Aniya create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience that some may find more pleasant. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound that is described as satisfying. These differences in sound profiles can greatly influence a user's preference for one switch over the other.
Despite their differences, both the Aniya and the Ink Yellow switches incorporate top and bottom housings to enhance the typing experience. The division of the unique sound profiles between the top and bottom housing materials means that the user will feel and hear different qualities depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key. This split in qualities gives each switch a distinct tactile feel and sound signature that can impact the overall typing experience. While the Aniya and the Ink Yellow have different sound profiles, they both aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through a combination of top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The POM housing of the Aniya offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the INK blend housing of the Ink Yellow provides a higher-pitched, clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a unique typing experience by utilizing top and bottom housing materials to impact the sound and feel of the switch. Whether a user prefers a deeper, muted sound or a higher-pitched, clacky sound will ultimately determine which switch they prefer for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow is heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the difference in actuation and bottom out forces allows users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their preferences. Ultimately, the Aniya switch is lighter, while the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is heavier, offering different options for users seeking a specific typing feel.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Ink Yellow switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the PH Studio Aniya switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 slightly clacky and medium-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky sound, suitable for a variety of users and purposes. Both switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a crisp and bright typing experience. Depending on the choice of board and keycaps, users can expect a pleasant sound profile from either switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aniya linear switch boasts a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery feel that makes keystrokes effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a pleasant typing experience that prioritizes smoothness and clackiness. Depending on personal preferences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from either switch, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for a lighter typing experience with a pronounced clacky sound profile versus a more moderate actuation force with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. If you prioritize a switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, a harmonious clacky sound profile, and a creamy, polished, or silky feel, the Aniya may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, a neutral sound profile, and a mild or polished feel, the Ink Yellow could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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