PH Studio Aniya vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya and Dareu Mahjong are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Aniya, known for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leans towards a pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. The smooth feel and medium-light actuation of the Aniya switches make every keystroke a delight, perfect for those seeking a creamy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature. If you prefer a bouncy and polished typing feel, the Mahjong switches might be the ideal choice for you. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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 housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Mahjong offer unique characteristics that set them apart. The Aniya's POM housing creates a deep and pleasing sound profile that is relatively muted, while the Mahjong's POK housing boasts exceptional durability and smoothness, making for clacky and long-lasting switches. In terms of sound, the Aniya's POM material provides a unique sound profile on both the top and bottom housings, while the Mahjong's POK material offers a smoother and clackier typing experience thanks to its coefficient of friction and wear resistance.
Despite their differences, both the Aniya and the Mahjong share commonalities in their housing materials that contribute to overall high-quality switches. The POM top housing of the Aniya and the POK top housing of the Mahjong both offer unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience. Additionally, while the Aniya's POM bottom housing and the Mahjong's nylon bottom housing may have different characteristics, they both contribute to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. These shared qualities ensure that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when using either keyboard.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the split between the top and bottom housings plays a significant role. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it be POM in the Aniya or nylon in the Mahjong, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing, such as POK in the Mahjong, has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the sound profile and typing sensation can help users choose the keyboard that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch differ in terms of their weight. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a relatively light typing experience. In contrast, the Mahjong switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aniya switch would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the Mahjong switch, as it offers a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the Aniya has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mahjong. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Aniya may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Dareu Mahjong with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 slightly clacky sound profile with a medium pitch, making it audible but not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offers a more lively and poppy sound signature, providing a distinctive typing experience. In terms of feel, the Aniya switch is described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with each keystroke feeling effortless. The Mahjong switch, on the other hand, is noted for a bouncy feel that provides a spring-like feedback sensation, giving keys a lively rebound when pressed. When considering all available information, it is clear that the Aniya switch leans towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, while the Mahjong switch offers a more energetic and lively feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the PH Studio Aniya for a smoother, more refined typing experience or the Dareu Mahjong for a more dynamic and lively typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide quality options with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced clacky sound profile that is not overwhelmingly loud, and offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, then the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lively and poppy sound signature, along with a bouncy or mild typing experience, then the Mahjong switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of auditory and tactile experience you prefer when typing on your mechanical keyboard.
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