PH Studio Aniya vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and KTT Lightning both stand out for their unique characteristics. The PH Studio Aniya, a linear switch, is praised for its balanced sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky noise without being overwhelming. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke on the Aniya is described as a delightful experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning, also a linear switch, is known for its speed and competitiveness, making it ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between winning and losing. Typing on the Lightning switch provides a slick feel accompanied by a clacky sound profile. While these general pointers can guide your decision, diving deeper into the specific features of each switch will help you determine the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Lightning, it is evident that the top housings differ significantly. The Aniya boasts a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, whereas the Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing an aesthetic advantage. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately depends on the user's preference for either a deeper or more resonant sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Aniya and the Lightning also bring distinct characteristics to the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Lightning elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing. Users looking for a switch with a richer sound may prefer the nylon bottom housing of the Lightning, while those seeking a more unique sound may opt for the POM bottom housing of the Aniya.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Lightning share a commonality in the way their top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switches, users can make an informed decision based on their preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, both switches have a similar light actuation force of 42 grams for the Aniya and 43 grams for the Lightning. Additionally, both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also considered light. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force required for both switches. While the Aniya is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, the differences are minimal, making the typing experience on both switches relatively similar. Lighter switches like these are great for extended typing sessions and gaming, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to other factors such as sound, tactile feedback, or overall design preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In this case, the Lightning switch has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Aniya switch. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, even a fraction of a millimeter can impact the typing experience. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Aniya switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for the typing experience.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 is known for its clacky sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced yet pleasant auditory experience, while the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those looking for a more distinctive typing sound. Both switches have a clacky sound characteristic, which means they will produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, although the Aniya is described as not excessively high-pitched, while the Lightning is known to have a more approachable sound profile. Overall, depending on personal preference and setup, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth feel, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material, ensuring a delightfully silky typing experience with a medium-light actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as offering a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Aniya described as creamy and silky, while the Lightning is recognized for its subtle and polished feel. Users can expect a comfortable and refined typing experience from both switches, tailored to different preferences in terms of resistance and smoothness.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share some characteristics such as being clacky and having a polished finish, they each offer a slightly different auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality, whether they opt for the Aniya or the Lightning linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a smooth and delightful typing experience with a slightly clacky sound profile, opt for the Aniya. On the other hand, if you value speed and precision in your keystrokes, and prefer a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile, the Lightning may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prefer a smoother typing feel or prioritize speed and precision in your keystrokes. Rest assured that both switches offer quality performance with light bottom out force, making them suitable for a range of typing preferences.
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