PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Aniya switch is celebrated for its harmonious sound profile that strikes a balance between being clacky and pleasant to the ears. Made with Ly stem material, it offers a smooth feel and a medium-light actuation, making typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch lacks a well-defined reputation but offers a tactile feedback that many users appreciate. While the Aniya switch is known for its specific characteristics, the Crystal Brown switch remains a bit of a mystery. 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
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer distinct sound profiles and experiences. The Aniya features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the sound experience. In contrast, the Aniya's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the switches offer different sound profiles, they each play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, influencing the overall tactile feedback of the switch. In contrast, the top housing material has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when a key is released, adding to the overall auditory experience of the switch. Whether it be the POM and nylon combination of the Aniya or the polycarbonate and nylon pairing of the Crystal Brown, the choice of housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches showcase how different materials can impact the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical keyboards. While the Aniya's POM housings create a pleasing and unique sound, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate and nylon combination offers a sharper and clearer sound profile. The choice between POM and polycarbonate for the top housing, as well as nylon for the bottom housing, allows for users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch differ in actuation and bottom out force. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall within the light to medium-light category, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Aniya provides a lighter touch overall, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the Crystal Brown offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation points, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing 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 Outemu Crystal 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
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its slightly clacky sound profile, giving a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, while leaning towards a more high-pitched tone. This creates an auditory experience that is not overwhelmingly loud but still quite noticeable. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. Moving on to feel, the Aniya switch is praised for its creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light actuation. This smoothness is attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material, providing a silky sensation that enhances the overall typing feel. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Crystal Brown switch is not specified.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a harmonious balance of a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are not explicitly described, it can be assumed that the Aniya's characteristics provide a high-quality tactile and auditory experience that may be difficult to replicate. Ultimately, choosing between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a smooth and delightful typing experience with a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Aniya with its light bottom out force of 50 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are not particularly concerned about sound profile, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so trust your judgment and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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