PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its harmonious sound profile and smooth feel, offers a balanced experience with a pronounced clacky sound that isn't overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch lacks specific standout features but delivers a more subtle typing experience. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use cases; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Cream Yellow, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aniya features POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a unique and deep sound profile that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow uses nylon top and bottom housings, which produce a fuller and deeper sound due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both switches aim to create a pleasing sound experience, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Aniya and Cream Yellow switches, both switches share the common goal of providing a satisfying typing experience. The POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya create a deeper and muted sound profile, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the Cream Yellow offer a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches leverage the unique properties of their respective housing materials to create a distinctive typing experience for users. While the specific sound profiles may vary between the two switches, the use of high-quality materials in their construction ensures that users can expect reliable performance and durability.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aniya and Cream Yellow switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The POM housings of the Aniya create a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted profile, while the Cream Yellow's nylon housings produce a fuller and rounder sound. The choice of housing material not only affects the sound when typing but also impacts the overall feel of the switch. Whether it is the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound produced when releasing a key, the housing material significantly contributes to the overall typing experience offered by these switches.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Aniya the lighter of the two. The bottom out force of the Aniya is also lighter at 50 grams, while the Cream Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aniya for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cream Yellow for a stronger typing experience. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a consistent typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference between 3.2 mm and 3.3 mm may not be significant enough to notice in practical use, so you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer key press 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 Outemu Cream Yellow 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
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a more pronounced clacky sound profile, leaning towards a medium pitch that provides a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. Moving on to the feel, the Aniya switch is known for its creamy and polished typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material, resulting in a remarkably smooth feel with a medium-light actuation force. Unfortunately, information on the tactile feel of the Cream Yellow switch is not available.
Overall, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly clacky sound profile and a smooth, buttery feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be a great choice. However, if tactile switches are your preference and the Cream Yellow switch offers a similar level of smoothness and refinement as the Aniya, you may expect a comparable typing experience with both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a light actuation force, then the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Cream Yellow could be a better fit. Consider your typing style and what characteristics matter most to you when making your decision between these two mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what best suits your typing needs.
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