PH Studio Aniya vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two interesting options to consider are the PH Studio Aniya and the Haimu Orange Sea, both of which are linear switches. The PH Studio Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonious sound profile that leans toward a pronounced clacky quality while ensuring a pleasant auditory experience that isn’t overwhelmingly loud. With its medium-light actuation and Ly stem material, it delivers a notably smooth feel that many users find delightful. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers an impeccably smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle auditory response. While the Aniya appeals to those who enjoy a bit of audible feedback and a creamy touch, the Orange Sea caters to users seeking a quieter, yet equally satisfying, keystroke. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Haimu Orange Sea showcase distinctly different acoustic profiles, primarily influenced by their respective top housing materials. The Aniya features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a sound profile that leans towards deeper and more muted tones. This characteristic creates an enjoyable auditory experience for users who prefer a sound that is not overly aggressive. In contrast, the Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the audio produced, providing a brighter auditory experience especially beneficial for those who appreciate more pronounced sound clarity, particularly when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When examining the bottom housings of the two designs, the Aniya utilizes a POM bottom housing while the Orange Sea is crafted from nylon. Both materials contribute to a deeper sound profile, but they do so in different ways. The POM housing, while also conducive to a pleasing and unique sound, creates a more muted bottom-out experience. On the other hand, nylon, known for its softer composition, absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. Thus, while the Aniya maintains a more consistent muted tone throughout by using POM for both the top and bottom, the Orange Sea's nylon bottom housing adds a layer of sound absorption that enhances the tactile feedback while typing.
Both switches result in unique auditory experiences by blending qualities from their respective materials, but their overall character diverges significantly due to the differences in top and bottom housing materials. In the case of the Aniya, users will find that the POM construction produces a more cohesive sound profile, influenced equally by both top and bottom housings. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea's combination of polycarbonate and nylon leads to a divided sound profile, where the sharpness of the top and the fullness of the bottom work together to create a more complex auditory tapestry. Ultimately, while both switches offer pleasant typing experiences, the choice between them will depend on user preference for either a more subdued or a more vibrant sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea is overall the lighter option, which may appeal to those looking for reduced fatigue during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches provide a similar tactile response, allowing for comparable performance in terms of keystroke activation. However, the Aniya has a heavier feel compared to the Orange Sea, which might be preferred by users seeking more resistance and a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Aniya features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Orange Sea offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aniya switch provides a shorter travel, which might be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Orange Sea, with its longer travel distance, may be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, offering a gentler feedback with each press. Therefore, if you're leaning towards speed and responsiveness, the Aniya is the better choice, while the Orange Sea caters to those who favor a more pronounced keystroke 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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a unique character that leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile. This type of auditory feedback is crisp, bright, and somewhat high-pitched, providing a satisfying click that can enhance the typing experience without being overly loud or intrusive. The Aniya’s sound profile is considered harmonious and clacky, resonating well with users who appreciate that specific auditory quality. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a neutral sound signature, which suggests that it delivers a quieter and less distinctive auditory experience. While the exact characteristics of the Orange Sea's sound are unknown, the lack of strong descriptors implies a more muted and versatile sound that might cater to those who prefer a discreet typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch stands out with its remarkably smooth and creamy texture, making each keystroke a delightful experience. This silky typing sensation is often derived from high-quality stem materials, paired with the possible application of lubricant within the switch, eliminating resistance and ensuring effortless transitions between keystrokes. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch introduces a different tactile quality, described as invigorating. This suggests that while it may lack the creamy smoothness of the Aniya, it offers pronounced feedback with a moderate actuation force, leading to an engaging and responsive typing feel. Though the tactile experience differs, both switches promise unique yet enjoyable interactions based on their respective designs.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch provides a pronounced clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents a neutral sound profile and an invigorating tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for auditory and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but with distinct flavors. The Aniya might appeal more to users seeking auditory feedback alongside a luxurious feel, whereas the Orange Sea could be the switch of choice for those who favor a more understated sound and lively engagement while typing. Selecting either switch will result in an enjoyable typing experience, but the nuances between them will cater to different tastes within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the sensory experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a more pronounced clacky sound that is still manageable in volume, the Aniya switch would be an ideal choice. Its smooth, creamy feel and harmonious auditory feedback can enhance your typing pleasure, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a consistently smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea may be more suitable for you. Its invigorating and accented tactile feedback can provide a responsive sensation that contributes to a satisfying typing rhythm, especially if you favor a subtle yet engaging feel. Ultimately, consider what factors are most important to you—whether it's sound, tactile feedback, or a smooth typing experience—to make your choice between these two enjoyable linear switches.
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