PH Studio Aniya vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio offers two intriguing options: the Aniya, a linear switch and the Milk Tea, also a linear switch. The Aniya switch is known for its harmonious balance in sound profile, with a more pronounced clacky sound that is not excessively loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, striking a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Aniya switch boasts a medium-light actuation and a smooth feel, while the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions with an accessible bottom-out weight. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
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
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the PH Studio Milk Tea both feature POM housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The POM material in both switches creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is relatively muted compared to other housing materials. This consistency in material ensures that both switches offer a similar sound experience to users, with the qualities of POM shining through in both models.
Despite sharing the same housing material, the Aniya and Milk Tea switches may vary in terms of the qualities each housing brings to the switch. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This slight variation in how the housing materials interact within the switches could result in subtle differences in typing experience between the two models.
Overall, the POM housing material used in both the PH Studio Aniya and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches offers a consistent and enjoyable typing experience with its unique sound profile. While there may be some differences in how the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel of the switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the pleasing and muted sound characteristics that POM brings to the table. Whether choosing the Aniya or the Milk Tea, users can enjoy a high-quality typing experience with these switches.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch with an actuation force of 37.5 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams, while the Milk Tea only needs 43.5 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter end of the force spectrum, which is ideal for users looking for a smoother typing experience and less fatigue during extended use. The Aniya provides a slightly more tactile feedback with its higher bottom out force, while the Milk Tea offers a lighter actuation force for those who prefer a softer touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for keyboard weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. In comparing the two, the Aniya offers a shorter travel distance which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and desired 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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch are described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile, while the Milk Tea maintains a muted essence, striking a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aniya switch is known for its creamy and polished qualities, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a refined finish that results in sleek key travel. The use of Ly as the stem material further enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, making typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is also described as polished and silky, providing a refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing feel, making them ideal options for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both prioritize a pleasant auditory experience and smooth typing feel. Whether you opt for the Aniya or the Milk Tea, you can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should consider the sound profile and typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a slightly clacky sound with a medium-light actuation and smooth feel, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a more muted essence and effortless keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on your personal preference for sound and feel.
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