PH Studio Aniya vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it's evident that they each offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Aniya linear switch, with its pronounced clacky sound profile and smooth feel thanks to the Ly stem material, provides a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a more audible feedback without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Matcha tactile switch stands out for its snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more tactile response while typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Matcha both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Aniya's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Matcha's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The difference in material between the top and bottom housings affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Despite the contrast in sound profiles, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Matcha allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. This creates a visually appealing look while also influencing the sound profile to be clearer and more resonant compared to the POM housing of the Aniya. The POM material in the Aniya's housing provides a unique and pleasing sound that is more on the deeper side, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate in the Matcha. While both switches offer a different auditory experience, they each bring their own visual appeal due to the distinct properties of their housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya with POM housing and the KTT Matcha with polycarbonate housing ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Aniya offers a more muted and deeper sound profile, while the Matcha provides a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Matcha adds a visually striking element, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Both switches deliver unique qualities based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in determining the overall typing experience and aesthetic appeal of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, with the Matcha being slightly lighter in both aspects. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches cater to users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, both the Aniya and Matcha switches provide similar results due to their light actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch. The Aniya offers a more shallow and quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Matcha switch provides a deeper keystroke feel with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by individuals who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 has a more pronounced clacky sound profile with medium loudness, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch is also described as clacky but may have a cleaner bottom-out sound due to its stem design. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Aniya having a slightly higher pitch while the Matcha may lean towards a cleaner, crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch provides a smooth and silky typing experience due to the stem material used, resulting in a creamy and polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is more focused on delivering a stepped and snappy tactile feedback, offering a different typing sensation with a medium level of tactility. The Matcha may provide a more pronounced tactility experience compared to the smoother feel of the Aniya.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya provides a smoother and creamier typing experience with a slightly pronounced clacky sound, the Matcha offers a more distinctive tactile feel with a focus on a crisper bottom-out sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying performance and may result in similar results based on the user's specific setup and keycap choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a smooth and clacky typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the Aniya switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and tactile typing feel with a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a keyboard switch before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Aniya and Matcha switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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