PH Studio Aniya vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you seek. The Aniya, with its pronounced clacky sound profile and smooth, medium-light actuation, provides a satisfying and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo offers a more subtle tactility and a neutral sound signature, ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience without sacrificing feedback. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-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 Mallo, we can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Aniya's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Mallo allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Aniya may lack. The nylon bottom housing of the Mallo also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Aniya's POM bottom housing.
Despite these differences, both the Aniya and the Mallo utilize unique housing materials to create pleasing sound profiles. While the Aniya's POM top and bottom housings create a consistent deep and muted sound throughout key presses, the split housing design of the Mallo allows for a combination of sharper, higher-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the nylon bottom housing. This split design results in a dynamic sound experience that may appeal to different preferences depending on the desired sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Mallo will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetics. The Aniya's POM housing creates a consistent and pleasing sound, while the Mallo's split housing design offers a more dynamic sound experience with sharper highs and deeper lows. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a crisper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Aniya has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams while the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Aniya switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Mallo switch would provide a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of users who prefer either a lighter or slightly heavier key press.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Mallo's 4 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance would cater more to individuals looking for a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Aniya being the shorter option and the Mallo being the longer one. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for key sensitivity and depth.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 characterized by a clacky and high-pitched profile, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience with a medium volume level. This distinct sound profile provides a satisfying feedback without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch boasts a neutral and subdued sound, creating a more subtle and dampened typing experience that is suitable for various settings. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced and sharp sound, the Mallo offers a more understated and gentle auditory feedback, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, but the Aniya and Mallo provide different sound profiles to suit individual preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is praised for its creamy and polished typing experience, delivering a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances the overall typing feel. The use of Ly as the stem material contributes to a silky keystroke, making every press effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery and subtle typing experience, characterized by a light actuation force and gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle tactile feedback provided by the Mallo allows for comfortable and easy key presses without being too overwhelming. Both the Aniya and Mallo switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to users with different preferences for typing feel.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Aniya excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and polished typing feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Mallo offers a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and subtle typing feel, catering to those who prefer a quieter and lighter touch when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Aniya and Mallo switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prefer a smooth and slightly clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a gentle tactility with a neutral sound signature and a medium-light typing feel, the Mallo switch could be more to your liking. The Aniya switch provides a creamy and polished typing experience, while the Mallo switch offers a feathery and subtle feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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