PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Oil King are both linear switches, each with their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, offering a pronounced clacky sound that is not overwhelmingly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, it provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, bassy sound profile, reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. Both switches offer creamy and silky characteristics, but the Aniya leans towards a higher pitch while the Oil King emphasizes a deeper tone. So, why would you choose one over the other? That is the question we're here to help you answer. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Oil King, POM and nylon respectively, both offer unique acoustic properties that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the POM top housing of the Aniya creates a deep and muted sound, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Aniya's POM bottom housing also contributes to the deep and muted sound profile, while the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing adds a pointed and clacky sound to the switch.
Despite the differences in sound profiles created by the housing materials of the Aniya and the Oil King, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. The POM top housing of the Aniya allows for a unique sound profile on both key press and release, while the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound during typing. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to the overall muted sound profile, while the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing adds a clacky and high-pitched sound to the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Oil King play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the POM and nylon materials offer different acoustic qualities, they both contribute to a pleasant and satisfying typing feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound profile like the Aniya or a clacky and high-pitched sound like the Oil King, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch. The Aniya requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Oil King has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Aniya would be the better choice. However, for users who enjoy a more significant push feel, the Oil King would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Oil King has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Oil King may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing users with a sharp and crisp auditory experience that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound, resembling the snapping of a dark chocolate bar. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the more pronounced clacky sound of the Aniya or the deeper, richer sound of the Oil King.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Aniya and Oil King switches are described as creamy and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Aniya switch, with its Ly stem material, offers a remarkably smooth feel and a medium-light actuation, making each keystroke delightful. Similarly, the Oil King switch is praised for its buttery smoothness, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys. Whether you prefer a creamy sensation or a silky smooth typing experience, both switches deliver in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both excel in providing pleasant sound profiles and smooth typing experiences. While the Aniya leans towards a clacky, high-pitched sound and offers a medium-light actuation for a smooth feel, the Oil King delivers a low-pitched, bassy sound with buttery smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options offer quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience with a light actuation force, then the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a darker, buttery smooth sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation force, then the Oil King switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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