PH Studio Aniya vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch stand out for their unique qualities. The Aniya switch is praised for its harmonious sound profile, striking a balance between being clacky and not excessively loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke feels delightful. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, thanks to Cherry's updated materials and springs. While the Aniya switch offers a more polished and resonant typing experience, the Nixie switch provides a textured and thocky feel. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
The PH Studio Aniya and the Cherry Nixie both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Aniya featuring POM housing and the Nixie featuring nylon housing. Both materials are known for creating a deeper sound profile, but they achieve this in different ways. POM housing is described as creating a muted sound, while nylon housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both materials are popular choices for switch housing due to their ability to absorb sound and create a pleasing typing experience.
In terms of similarities, both the Aniya and the Nixie utilize their housing materials to enhance the overall sound profile of the switches. While POM housing is used for both the top and bottom housing in the Aniya, nylon is used for the top and bottom housing in the Nixie. This means that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite this distribution, both switches are able to achieve a deep and pleasing sound profile thanks to their respective housing materials.
Overall, the choice between POM and nylon housing in the Aniya and the Nixie ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some users may prefer the muted sound profile of POM housing in the Aniya, while others may enjoy the fuller and rounder sound of nylon housing in the Nixie. Additionally, the impact of each housing material on typing experience, such as sound and feel, also plays a role in determining which switch is preferred. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience thanks to their housing materials, creating a satisfying sound profile for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that there is a notable difference between the two. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Nixie's heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams. Similarly, the Aniya has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Aniya switch will provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Nixie switch will offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance is ideal for gamers seeking faster response times, while the Nixie's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so selecting the one that aligns with your preferences will result in optimal satisfaction.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 best described as having a clacky and somewhat high-pitched sound profile, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and satisfying tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya leaning towards a more pronounced clackiness and the Nixie offering a deeper and richer thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is renowned for its creamy and polished typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing a delight. The use of Ly as the stem material contributes to a remarkably silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and ease of each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its textured feel, featuring noticeable friction when pressed that may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience. While both switches offer different tactile sensations, the Aniya excels in providing a polished and silky typing feel, while the Nixie offers a more textured and friction-filled experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch each bring unique sound and feel qualities to the table. The Aniya excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a creamy, polished typing experience, while the Nixie offers a thocky sound and a textured typing feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the clacky and smooth Aniya or the thocky and textured Nixie, knowing that both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Aniya or the Nixie, you can expect to achieve similar levels of quality and performance based on their respective sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a more clacky sound profile with a smooth feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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