PH Studio Aniya vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options that stand out are the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch. The Aniya, produced by BSUN, is praised for its harmonious sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. Its smooth feel and medium-light actuation make typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide, manufactured by Haimu, boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, coupled with a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination. While both switches share characteristics such as being clacky and high-pitched, their nuances in sound profile and feel set them apart. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches utilize different plastics for their top and bottom housings. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the Aniya gives it a distinct sound, while the polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more resonant tone.
One notable difference between the Aniya and the Lightning Silver V3 is the translucency of the polycarbonate material used in the latter switch. The clear polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the opaque POM material of the Aniya does not allow for any light to pass through. This is a key design feature to consider if RGB lighting is a priority for the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Both the POM and polycarbonate materials offer unique characteristics that impact the overall typing experience, with the Aniya providing a more muted and deeper sound, and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the Aniya is lighter in both aspects. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Aniya provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Aniya, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback may find the Lightning Silver V3 more to their liking. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter option of the two. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. Both switches offer similar results in terms of key travel, but the slight difference in distance may be noticeable depending on personal preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter, quicker key press with the Aniya, or a slightly longer, more deliberate press with the Lightning Silver V3.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile, offering a clacky and moderately high-pitched auditory experience that is not overly loud but still satisfyingly audible. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that adds a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. In terms of feel, the Aniya provides a creamy and polished typing experience, thanks to the smooth stem material Ly, resulting in a silky sensation with medium-light actuation. Similarly, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer unique sound and feel qualities, making them great choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a delightful typing experience. While each switch may have its distinct characteristics, users can expect similarly satisfying results in terms of sound and feel when using either the Aniya or Lightning Silver V3 switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the sound and feel preferences that suit you best. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth and medium-light actuation, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky and seamless typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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