PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aniya linear switch is celebrated for its harmonious sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overly loud. With its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke is a delight for users who enjoy a creamy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and smooth, bouncy typing feel. Known for its snappy and high-pitched sound profile, this switch provides a buttersoft and polished typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Luciola both feature unique housing materials that contribute significantly to the sound profile of the switches. The Aniya's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a high-pitched yet not overly sharp clacky sound. These differences in sound characteristics are likely to appeal to different users based on their preference for sound profiles. However, both switches are designed to deliver an enjoyable typing experience with their distinct top housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aniya's POM bottom housing and the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing share similar characteristics with their respective top housing materials. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to a deep and muted sound, similar to its top housing counterpart. Likewise, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola offers a satisfying thin and high-pitched sound, mirroring the qualities of its top housing. These similarities between the top and bottom housing materials ensure a consistent typing experience across the entire switch for both the Aniya and the Luciola switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Luciola play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While the Aniya emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing, the Luciola features a higher-pitched and clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend housing. Whether users prefer a quieter and softer typing experience or a more pronounced and crisp sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Aniya and the Luciola will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Aniya switch is better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern, while the Luciola switch is more suited for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Luciola. These differences may not seem significant, but they can affect the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may provide a quicker and more responsive feel, making it a preferred choice for gamers or those looking for faster typing speeds. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Luciola may offer a more substantial and deliberate keypress, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 offers a more pronounced and clacky sound profile. This can be described as sharp, snappy, and slightly high-pitched, providing an audible typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch also has a clacky sound profile but with a chirpy element to it. It is also high-pitched and resonant, delivering a unique acoustic signature. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can add character to your typing experience, depending on your preference for a sharper or chirpier sound.
Moving on to feel, the Aniya switch is known for its remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience. With a medium-light actuation, each keystroke feels buttery and polished, allowing for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel, described as buttery and snappy. This switch offers a responsive and lively typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more dynamic feel while typing. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and polished typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of your keyboard.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Aniya switch leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound and creamy feel, the Luciola switch offers a chirpy sound and bouncy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. Both switches, however, provide a satisfying typing experience with their smooth and polished attributes, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound profile that isn't overly loud, along with a smooth and medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience, the Aniya switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to switches that glow in the dark and offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a medium heft, as well as a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, the Luciola switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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