PH Studio Aniya vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aniya, known for its medium-light actuation and pronounced clacky sound profile, provides a smooth and delightful keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi features a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, delivering a satisfyingly snappy sound and enhancing typing immersion. While the Aniya leans towards a more high-pitched sound, the Kiwi offers a low-pitched, neutral option. Both switches are polished for a smooth feel but differ in their tactile feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the TKC Kiwi offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Kiwi features UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a brighter and more resonant sound signature. This distinction in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
While the Aniya and the Kiwi both prioritize sound quality through their housing materials, they achieve this in contrasting ways. The POM housing of the Aniya emphasizes a more subdued and pleasing sound, while the UHWMPE housing of the Kiwi leans towards a brighter and more resonant sound profile. This difference in sound signature highlights the versatility of housing materials in influencing the overall typing sound and feel of a switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Aniya and the Kiwi aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The split qualities of the housing materials, where the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, ensure that both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience. Whether one prefers the deeper and muted sound of POM or the bright and resonant sound of UHWMPE, both the Aniya and the Kiwi cater to varied sound preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Kiwi's slightly heavier 43 grams. On the other hand, the Aniya switch also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Kiwi switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Aniya switch, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. In contrast, the Kiwi switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Overall, the Aniya switch provides a lighter typing experience, while the Kiwi switch delivers a more robust and tactile feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2mm, while the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, due to the reduced distance the switch needs to travel. On the other hand, the Kiwi's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different benefits based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their 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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a slightly clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is not overwhelmingly loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a satisfyingly snappy and low-pitched sound profile, delivering an immersive typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Aniya switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Kiwi switch appeals to individuals who prefer a more mellow tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is praised for its creamy and smooth typing experience, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material and medium-light actuation, making each keystroke delightful. Conversely, the TKC Kiwi switch is characterized as having a stepped and polished feel, providing a mild tactile feedback with a smooth key travel. The Aniya switch emphasizes smoothness and buttery sensation, while the Kiwi switch focuses on a balanced tactility that is not overpowering but still noticeable. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more polished and stepped feel with the Kiwi switch or a creamier typing experience with the Aniya switch.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Aniya switch provides a slightly clacky sound with a creamy and smooth feel, while the Kiwi switch offers a snappy and low-pitched sound with a stepped and polished feel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique characteristics, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a sharper sound and creamier feel or a mellow tone and balanced tactility.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: You may prefer the Aniya if you enjoy a pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation force, providing a smooth and delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi may be more suitable for you if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, resulting in a snappy sound profile and a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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