PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it's apparent that they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aniya switch is recognized for its harmonious sound profile, providing a medium-light actuation and a smooth feel due to the stem material used. It offers a clacky and resonant typing experience without being overly loud, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch, while lacking specific standout features in this information, is generally known for providing a tactile bump during actuation, giving users a tactile feedback without the audible click. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Aniya features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Brown's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, giving the Brown switch a visually appealing element. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to its pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound.
Despite their differences, both the Aniya and the Brown switches take advantage of the unique qualities of their housing materials. The POM top housing of the Aniya and the polycarbonate top housing of the Brown each offer distinct sound profiles, with the POM creating a more muted tone and the polycarbonate producing a sharper sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Aniya and the nylon bottom housing of the Brown contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch, with the nylon creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the deeper tone of the POM.
In terms of performance, the top and bottom housings of both the Aniya and the Brown switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of each key press. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. While the Aniya and the Brown switches offer different housing materials, each serves a purpose in enhancing the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switches.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Aniya for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may appreciate the stronger push feel of the Brown. Despite the variance in force requirements, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with users likely to achieve similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Aniya switch. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Brown switch may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Aniya offering a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses and the Brown providing a longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is not excessively loud but definitely noticeable. This gives a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch has no specific sound descriptors provided, so it is hard to directly compare the sound qualities of the two switches. However, both switches can offer a pleasant auditory experience depending on personal preference, with the Aniya leaning towards a more pronounced sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Aniya linear switch is known for its creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The use of Ly stem material in the switch contributes to its remarkably smooth feel, making every keystroke effortless and enjoyable. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch. Despite this, both switches likely offer a tactile typing experience, with the Aniya being more specifically known for its smoothness.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, the Aniya stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, polished feel. While the specific sound and feel of the Brown switch are unknown, it can be assumed that it offers a tactile typing experience with its tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, and selecting between them will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when making a decision between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a lighter switch with a smoother feel and a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light actuation and harmonious sound make it a delight to type on. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a tactile bump and a quieter typing experience, the Brown switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference based on your typing style and sound preferences. Whether you opt for the Aniya or the Brown, both switches offer quality performance and can enhance your overall typing experience.
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