PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch stand out as excellent options with their unique characteristics. The Aniya switch, known for its harmonious sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky tone, offers a smooth feel with medium-light actuation, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro by Gateron is praised for its budget-friendly price point, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low, "thocky" sound profile and satisfying resistance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. Despite the difference in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles.
In terms of sound production, the POM housing of the Aniya creates a more distinctive and pleasing sound compared to the nylon housing of the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). While POM offers a deeper and muted sound profile, nylon absorbs more sound and provides a fuller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound characteristics between the two housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and preference of users.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the typing experience, it is essential to note that the qualities of each housing material will influence different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. Understanding how the housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch. The Aniya requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Milky Yellow Pro requires 50 grams to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out. The lighter weight of the Aniya may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier weight of the Milky Yellow Pro may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Aniya offering a faster typing experience while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a more traditional key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a more bassy and thocky sound, delivering a deep and satisfying typing sound. If you prefer a sharper sound, the Aniya would be your choice, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a richer and deeper sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aniya linear switch is often described as creamy and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material contributes to the silky sensation, making each keystroke effortless and seamless. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery feel, offering a fluid and uniform typing sensation. While the Aniya excels in smoothness and refined finish, the Milky Yellow Pro focuses on providing a seamless and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Aniya would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a bassy, thocky sound with a buttery and textured typing feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be more suitable. Despite their differences, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, then the Aniya might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low, "thocky" sound with a buttery and uniform typing sensation, then the Milky Yellow Pro could be the ideal switch for your preferences. Consider how the sound and feel descriptors align with your preferences to make the best decision for your typing experience.
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