PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Outemu Black, both switches offer a linear typing experience but differ in their sound profile and feel. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious balance in sound, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile without being overwhelmingly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, the Aniya provides a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, not much is known about the sound profile or feel of the Outemu Black switch. If you prefer a switch with a more defined sound and smooth feel, the Aniya may be the way to go. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Black both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Aniya utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Black features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The POM and polycarbonate materials offer contrasting auditory experiences, with POM providing a more subtle sound and polycarbonate delivering a more vibrant and clear sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aniya's POM and the Black's nylon showcase different characteristics. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Black absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in material composition contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch, with the nylon housing of the Black providing a more muffled sound compared to the fuller sound produced by the POM bottom housing of the Aniya.
In terms of overall typing experience, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Black play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the Aniya boasts consistent POM materials for both top and bottom housing, creating a cohesive and deep sound profile, the Black features a mix of polycarbonate and nylon that results in a sharper and crisper sound on top and a fuller but duller sound on the bottom. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, with the top and bottom housings each playing a distinct role in shaping the overall sound profile.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. The difference in weight between these two switches can significantly impact typing comfort and efficiency. Overall, those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aniya switch, while individuals seeking a heavier feel may opt for the Outemu Black switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Black. The Aniya's 3.2 mm distance offers a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for a faster keypress. On the other hand, the Black's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper keypress experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Aniya offering a faster response and the Black offering a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, so it's important to consider what type of typing or gaming experience you prefer before making a decision.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a pleasant clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation, providing a smooth and delightful typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material enhances the feel of the switches, making them feel creamy, polished, and silky. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Black linear switch's sound and feel is not available. However, based on the qualities of the Aniya switch, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from the Outemu Black linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth key feel with a medium-light actuation force and a pleasant clacky sound profile, the Aniya switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and are indifferent towards sound profile, the Black switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound output.
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