PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly shape your typing experience. Two standout options are the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Jelly, both of which are linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. The Aniya, produced by BSUN, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile with a pronounced clacky quality, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an audible yet not overly loud keystroke. Its silky smoothness, thanks to the Ly stem material, combined with a medium-light actuation force, makes it an engaging option for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly offers a contrasting experience, characterized by its low-pitched, deep thocky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that is perfect for users seeking a more muted, yet still engaging, sound environment. With its lightweight 42g actuation force and excellent factory lubrication, the Jelly promotes seamless key presses that enhance overall comfort during prolonged use. While both switches bring unique attributes to the table, your final choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Aniya Linear

HMX Jelly Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Jelly provide an interesting comparison in the realm of mechanical switches. The Aniya features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which lends to a sound profile that is notably deeper and more muted. POM is recognized for its ability to produce a unique auditory experience, often resulting in a pleasing sound signature. In contrast, the Jelly uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is established as a classic switch housing material, known for its relatively softer texture, which allows it to absorb sound and create a fuller, rounder auditory experience. While both switches aim for a deeper sound profile, the methods by which they achieve this differ due to the inherent properties of POM versus nylon.

When considering the bottom housing, the structure in both switches plays a significant role in determining the tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out. In the Aniya, the POM constituent contributes to a more muted feel and sound, while in the Jelly, the softer nylon acts to absorb sound waves, resulting in a less aggressive auditory output. This aspect indicates that while both materials deliver deep sound profiles, the dynamics of the tactile experience differ; POM creates a more distinct yet subdued feedback, whereas nylon presents an experience that is smoother and more rounded. The synergy between the top and bottom housings of each switch ultimately influences the overall user experience.

Interestingly, despite these material differences, both switches can output similar auditory results under different circumstances. The unique properties of POM and nylon can complement one another when housed together in various switch designs. For instance, if combining the two materials in a single switch, one could create a switch that retains the deep tonal quality through the POM while softening the acoustic harshness with nylon. This combination showcases how diverse materials can still lead to comparable performance outcomes. Ultimately, both the PH Studio Aniya and HMX Jelly, with their distinctive housing materials, reveal the nuanced ways that material choice impacts sound and feel in mechanical switches, while allowing room for creative synthesis when aiming for optimal auditory experiences.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 42 grams, indicating that users will experience similar responsiveness in triggering keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Aniya has a slightly higher measurement at 50 grams, compared to the Jelly's 48 grams, making the Jelly marginally lighter during full key presses. While both switches can be classified as light, the Aniya offers a slightly more resistant feel when bottoming out. This difference may appeal to those who prefer a bit of feedback in their typing experience, while the Jelly's gentler bottoming out might be ideal for extended usage, providing a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on how much resistance you prefer while typing or gaming, with the Aniya being the heavier option and the Jelly the lighter one.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Jelly has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Jelly’s greater travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its more substantial depth during typing. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Aniya would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper press might opt for the Jelly. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose according to their specific needs in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is characterized by a more pronounced clacky sound profile that offers a crisp and percussive auditory experience. While it's certainly audible, it remains balanced and not excessively loud, making it pleasant to type on without annoying those in your vicinity. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch boasts a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature. Though specific details about the auditory qualities are not provided, one can assume that the Jelly's sound is softer and more mellow compared to the Aniya’s sharper auditory feedback. While the Jelly may provide a more subdued experience, the sound profile of both switches will ultimately depend on factors like the keyboard build and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch excels by providing a notably creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and factory lubrication contributes to a remarkably smooth keystroke, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This silkiness enhances the overall typing experience, reducing friction and increasing enjoyment during extended use. Unfortunately, the specifics regarding the feel of the HMX Jelly switch are undetermined, leaving it unclear how it directly compares. However, given its lightweight actuation force of 42g, it’s reasonable to infer that the Jelly will also provide a smooth experience, though it may differ in sensation compared to the Aniya.

In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Jelly linear switches diverge in sound—one being clacky and the other thocky—they both potentially offer smooth typing experiences, albeit with the Aniya boasting more specific qualities. If you enjoy a sharper auditory profile and a more textured feel, the Aniya may be your best bet. If you're leaning towards a deeper sound and a lighter actuation, the Jelly could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, so the choice may come down to personal preference in sound and the unknown qualities of the Jelly's tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback combined with a creamy and polished feel, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. Its clacky sound profile and smooth actuation are well-suited for both typing and gaming, while the moderate bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a satisfying tactile experience without being overly strenuous. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more subdued sound combined with an exceptionally smooth feel, you might gravitate towards the Jelly switch. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and its low-pitched thocky sound signature, the Jelly offers a quieter yet pleasurable typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions when noise levels are a concern. Ultimately, consider the atmosphere where you'll be using your keyboard and how you want your typing experience to feel—whether that's lively and pronounced with the Aniya or smooth and subdued with the Jelly.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Aniya Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more