PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious sound profile that strikes a balance between being clacky and not overly loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, each keystroke on the Aniya is a delight. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple's tactile feedback offers a different typing feel compared to the linear Aniya switch. While the Purple switch lacks specific standout characteristics, tactile switches are generally preferred by those who enjoy a physical bump feeling when typing. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple switches both offer unique sound profiles but through different mechanisms. The Aniya's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference lies in the stiffness of the plastics used, with POM being softer and polycarbonate being stiffer. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the Aniya's POM bottom housing contributes to the deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound.
While both the Aniya and Purple switches offer unique sound profiles from their housing materials, they each cater to different preferences. The Aniya's POM top and bottom housing creates a consistent deep and muted sound throughout typing, appealing to those who prefer a softer typing experience. In contrast, the Purple switch's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing produces a sharper top-out sound and a fuller bottom-out sound, catering to individuals who appreciate a more varied sound profile while typing. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Purple switches depends on personal preferences in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya providing a more consistent and deeper sound profile due to its POM housing, while the Purple switch offers a sharper and fuller sound profile with its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination. Regardless of the choice, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound quality and typing feel is essential in selecting the right switch for individual preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which has a higher actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams whereas the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Aniya switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother and faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch offers a more significant push feel, which may suit users looking for a more substantial typing feedback. Both switches have their advantages, with the Aniya being lighter and the Purple potentially offering a heavier typing experience, depending on its bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Purple. The difference in travel distance can impact the typing experience, as a shorter travel distance often translates to quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers looking for speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Both switches have their advantages, with the Aniya offering a quicker typing experience and the Purple providing a more deliberate and substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Purple 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 harmonious sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. This creates a pleasant auditory experience for users. In terms of feel, the Aniya switch provides a remarkably smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation, making each keystroke delightful. On the other hand, details about the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound and feel are unknown. However, it can be expected that the Aniya linear switch will provide a more clacky and smooth typing experience compared to the Purple tactile switch, based on the provided information. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with the Aniya switch, while the characteristics of the Purple switch remain undisclosed.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force with a smooth and slightly clacky sound profile, then the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. Its use of Ly as the stem material offers a creamy and polished typing experience that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Purple switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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