PH Studio Aniya vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Light Sakura present two distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences and environments. The Aniya, known for its harmonious balance of sound and tactile feedback, delivers a satisfying clacky auditory experience while maintaining a smooth keystroke thanks to its Ly stem material and medium-light actuation. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate an audible response to their typing without overwhelming noise, achieving a blend of performance and enjoyment. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura caters to those seeking tranquility in their typing experience; its ultra-light design is perfect for long hours of use, while its silent operation ensures minimal disruption in shared office or home environments. Thus, while the Aniya excels in providing a lively sound profile and tactile delight, the Light Sakura prioritizes comfort and discretion for more focused tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Light Sakura, a key distinction lies in the types of plastics used. The Aniya utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to its sound profile being deeper and relatively muted. This choice of material fosters a unique acoustic experience that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Light Sakura employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound signature. The fundamental differences in these materials influence not only the auditory experience but also the tactile feedback when typing, leading users to perceive each switch uniquely.
Another interesting aspect to consider is the impact of the material’s rigidity on sound clarity. POM is known for its flexibility, which can dampen sound and make it feel more subdued. This characteristic is particularly evident in how the Aniya's housing creates a softer auditory response during key presses. By contrast, the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Light Sakura allows for a more resonant and clear sound, likely enhancing the acoustic crispness that users appreciate when typing or gaming. This material choice also plays a crucial role in aesthetic appeal, with the translucency of polycarbonate being ideal for RGB backlighting — a feature that enhances both visual and auditory experiences for those who prioritize dynamic lighting.
Ultimately, while the Aniya and Light Sakura utilize different materials for their housings, there are shared aspects that can yield similar results in keypress feedback. If a switch incorporates a combination of materials for its top and bottom housing, the effects of each can combine to influence the overall sound and feel. For instance, using a POM bottom housing with a polycarbonate top could create a balanced profile that captures deeper tones while allowing for sharper release sounds. This thoughtful orchestration of materials means that even when employing contrasting plastics, users can find synergy in their tactile and auditory experience, allowing them to achieve a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, but they do differ in their specific measurements. The Aniya requires an actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Light Sakura is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura is the lighter option overall, making it suitable for users who prefer less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Aniya offers a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. If users prefer lighter switches for comfort, both switches can provide a decent feel, although they will notice that the Light Sakura offers less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Aniya.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, the Aniya features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Light Sakura has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Aniya switch offers a shorter keypress, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times due to the more rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Light Sakura's longer travel distance provides a sense of depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. In summary, if you favor quick, responsive inputs, the Aniya is the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keypresses might opt for the Light Sakura.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 delivers a distinctly clacky auditory profile. This means that each keystroke produces a sharp and snappy noise that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelmingly loud. The sound can be characterized as bright and percussive, making it engaging for those who appreciate a more pronounced audio response. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed to be a silent switch, emphasizing discretion and quiet operation suited for shared environments. While the Aniya offers a lively soundscape, the Light Sakura focuses on a sound profile that minimizes noise, catering to users who need a gentler approach to auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch excels with a remarkably smooth and polished typing experience. Descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky highlight its luxurious glide, resulting in a buttery sensation as fingers move across the keys. The medium-light actuation adds to its charm, allowing for effortless keystrokes that feel satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, while the Light Sakura is known for its ultra-light feel, its specific tactile characteristics are not detailed in the provided information. This suggests it leans towards a user-friendly experience, possibly focusing on comfort for lengthy typing sessions, but its qualitative aspects remain to be clarified.
In summary, the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Aniya offers an engaging clacky sound and a smooth, luxurious feel, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura prioritizes discretion with its silent operation and an ultra-light feel designed for comfort. While both switches serve unique user needs, they showcase the diversity available in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, allowing newcomers to select based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a moderately tactile experience with a more pronounced clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Aniya would be a fantastic choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, combined with a smooth and creamy feel, makes it an excellent option for both gaming and general typing—especially if you appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more discreet and ultra-light typing experience, the Light Sakura is ideal. Its lower bottom-out force of 43 grams combined with a silent sound profile caters perfectly to those in shared or office environments where quietness is paramount, allowing you to type for extended periods comfortably. In essence, choose the Aniya for a vibrant typing experience filled with enjoyable sound, and opt for the Light Sakura when prioritizing peace and comfort in your typing rhythm.
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