PH Studio Aniya vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya and Gazzew LT mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aniya, known for its balanced sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound, provides a pleasant auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. Its smooth feel and medium-light actuation make typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT stands out with its deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide with each keystroke. While the Aniya leans towards a higher-pitched sound, the LT offers a lower-pitched bassy tone. Both switches have their own attributes that appeal to users based on their sound preferences and typing feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gazzew LT both offer unique sound profiles, with the Aniya featuring POM top and bottom housings and the LT boasting a proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing. Both the POM and Gazzew plastic blends provide deep and rich sound profiles, with the POM housings being described as creating a relatively more muted sound compared to the LT's softer "boba plastic" that delivers a deep and rich sound profile. However, both materials offer a pleasing and unique sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the overall typing experience for users. Whether it's the POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya or the Gazzew blend top and bottom housings of the LT, both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch in different ways.
Despite their differences in material composition, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gazzew LT ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience for users. While the POM housings of the Aniya create a deeper and more muted sound profile, the LT's Gazzew blend plastic offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both options provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences, giving users the opportunity to customize their mechanical keyboards based on their desired sound and feel. Whether you prefer the POM housings of the Aniya for a more muted sound or the Gazzew blend plastic of the LT for a richer tone, both options offer high-quality housing materials to elevate your typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the LT switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, with the actuation force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aniya switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the LT switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users can expect a consistent and equal feel in terms of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get a similar typing experience, whether they choose to use the Aniya or the LT. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between responsiveness and keypress comfort.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 slightly clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch provides a deep, resonant thocky sound that creates an immersive typing atmosphere. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the Aniya leaning towards a sharper, crisper sound and the LT providing a richer, bass-heavy tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is praised for its remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. Each keystroke feels polished and effortless, making it a joy to type on. While details about the tactile feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch are unknown, it can be assumed that the LT also offers a smooth and satisfying typing sensation based on its thocky sound profile, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience for users.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a slightly clacky, high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, or a deep, resonant thocky sound with a smooth and silky typing experience, both switches can provide a delightful typing experience. With careful consideration of your sound and feel preferences, you can achieve similar levels of satisfaction with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a medium-light actuation with a clacky and medium-pitched sound profile, opt for the Aniya. On the other hand, if you desire a deeper thocky sound and a smooth typing experience, the LT may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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