PH Studio Aniya vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique characteristics worth considering. The Aniya switch 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, each keystroke on the Aniya switch is a delight. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer touch compared to other tactile switches. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the Aniya's creamy feel and the Light Tactile's neutral tactility, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Light Tactile both offer unique qualities in their housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Aniya's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Aniya offering a more understated and subtle sound, and the Light Tactile providing a crisper and more resonant typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Aniya's POM bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, creating a consistent deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can result in a distinct typing experience for users, with the Aniya providing a more consistent sound throughout the keystroke and the Light Tactile offering a fuller and rounder sound.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Aniya and the Light Tactile may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, users can still achieve similar results in terms of typing experience by understanding how each material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch is comparatively heavier, with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Aniya provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch offers a more substantial typing feel, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push sensation while typing. Both switches have their benefits depending on personal preference, with the Aniya offering a lighter touch and the Light Tactile providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a more pronounced key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Aniya being the shorter option and the Light Tactile being the longer one.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 is characterized by a clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement that makes it suitable for various purposes. The Aniya switch leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Light Tactile switch delivers a gentler and jelly-like sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is celebrated for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each key press. This is achieved through the use of Ly as the stem material and a medium-light actuation force, making typing on the Aniya switch a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more gentle feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Aniya switch excels in providing a clacky sound and creamy typing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and smooth key presses. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, offering a versatile typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with a clacky sound or a gentler touch with a softer sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and higher-pitched sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing feel, the Aniya linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, angelic tactility with a mild typing experience, the Light Tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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