PH Studio Aniya vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, there are several key differences that stand out. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, it provides a delightful typing experience for those who enjoy a creamy and resonant feel. On the other hand, the MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the Aniya focuses on a clacky and smooth typing experience, while the MX Red provides a thocky and textured feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Cherry MX Red switches both offer a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. The POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya create an incredibly pleasing sound, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the MX Red elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both housing materials absorb sound well due to their softer nature, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. While the Aniya uses POM for both top and bottom housing, the MX Red utilizes nylon for both components, providing a consistent sound experience across the entire switch.
However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, as is the case with the Aniya, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when letting go of a key will be more influenced by the top housing. On the other hand, the MX Red's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housing ensures a uniform typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Both switches offer a unique and satisfying sound experience, but the distribution of housing materials in the Aniya may result in a slightly different typing feel compared to the MX Red.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While both switches create a deeper and fuller sound, the distribution of POM and nylon in the top and bottom housings may result in slight variations in typing feel and sound experience. The Aniya's use of different housing materials for the top and bottom components allows for a more nuanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the MX Red's consistent use of nylon ensures a uniform typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the decision between the two may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the MX Red. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aniya would be the more suitable option. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the MX Red may be preferred, as it has a slightly higher actuation force. Overall, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in the user's typing experience, as some may prefer a lighter touch for efficiency, while others may opt for a heavier force for a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.8 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Aniya switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the MX Red switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying keystroke experience, but the Aniya will have slightly less travel distance compared to the MX Red.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is often described as having a slightly clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and sharp auditory experience that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its deeper and more robust thocky sound, offering a satisfying and rich tone. Whether you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound or a deeper thocky sound will depend on personal preference, as both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch is praised for its remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material and a medium-light actuation. This results in a silky feel that allows for effortless keystrokes, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its textured feel, which may offer a bit more friction compared to the smoothness of the Aniya switch. The choice between a creamy smoothness or a textured feel will depend on individual preference, as both switches offer a unique tactile experience for typists.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya switch leans towards a clacky sound profile and a creamy smooth feel, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a deeper thocky sound and a textured typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper or richer sound, as well as a smoother or textured feel, you can achieve similar results in typing satisfaction with either switch as they both provide a pleasant auditory and tactile experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a slightly clacky sound profile with a smooth and medium-light actuation, then the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and thocky sound profile with a heftier feel, then the Cherry MX Red switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
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