PH Studio Aniya vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its harmonious balance in sound profile, offers a more pronounced clacky sound with a medium-light actuation, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is characterized by a gentle and subdued sound profile, making it easy to push with a soft, pitter-patter sound. While the Aniya leans towards a clacky and creamy feel, the Meteor White offers a more neutral and mild experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's delve deeper beyond these general descriptions to help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Aniya and the SP-Star Meteor White switches feature top housings made of different materials: POM for the Aniya and nylon for the Meteor White. While POM is praised for creating a unique, deep, and relatively muted sound, nylon is known for its ability to produce a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight variations in sound quality.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Aniya utilizes POM while the Meteor White features nylon. Similar to the top housing, POM brings a pleasing and unique sound profile to the switch, characterized by depth and muted tones. On the other hand, nylon is recognized for its ability to create a fuller, deeper sound thanks to its soft plastic properties that absorb sound effectively. These differences in material composition influence the overall sound and feel of the switches, offering users a variety of tactile experiences based on their preferences.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's evident that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing, whether POM or nylon, significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when a key is released, showcasing the distinct characteristics of POM's deeper and more muted sound profile compared to nylon's fuller and rounder tones. Despite these differences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, albeit with nuanced differences in sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch is lighter compared to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, putting it in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aniya switch, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel may opt for the Meteor White switch. Both switches offer different weights to cater to varying preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor White provides a longer travel distance, giving users a more pronounced keypress experience. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Meteor White being slightly longer than the Aniya. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound, with a deep and satisfying tone. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, the Meteor White is described as gentle and pitter-patter, catering to a softer auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that appeal to different preferences, as the Aniya offers a more crisp and resonant sound, while the Meteor White provides a softer and subtler tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Aniya switch boasts a creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with each keystroke. With a medium-light actuation and the use of Ly as the stem material, the Aniya switch ensures an effortless typing sensation that melts into each keypress. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Aniya leaning towards a more luxurious and silky experience, while the Meteor White offers a mild and approachable sensation.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch present contrasting qualities 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, offering a luxurious and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Meteor White switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound with a mild and polished typing feel, catering to a gentle and approachable typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a diverse range of mechanical keyboard users. Ultimately, choosing between the Aniya and the Meteor White will depend on individual preferences for sound sharpness and typing smoothness.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth and delightful typing experience, the Aniya switch with its light bottom out force of 50 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler and softer sound profile with a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, as well as a smooth and approachable typing feel, the Meteor White switch could be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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