PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Aniya, known for its harmonious sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound, is a great choice for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch provides a quieter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile. While the Aniya switch offers a medium-light actuation and a smooth feel thanks to its Ly stem material, the Red switch lacks specific standout features. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Both the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Red keyboards use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a pleasing and unique deep sound that is relatively muted. In comparison, the Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This difference in material results in distinct auditory experiences for users of each keyboard.
In terms of material composition, the Aniya's POM bottom housing shares similarities with the Red's nylon bottom housing in that they both create a deeper and fuller sound profile. POM is known for its ability to produce a unique sound that is more muted and deep, while nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these similarities, the different characteristics of POM and nylon still offer users a distinguishable typing experience depending on the keyboard they choose.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, it is evident that the choice of material plays a significant role. The different material compositions of the top and bottom housings in the Aniya and the Red keyboards result in varied sound profiles when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. This differentiation highlights the importance of material selection in creating a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Red linear switch. The Aniya requires 42 grams of force to actuate, while the Red needs 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya is also lighter, needing 50 grams compared to the Red's 62 grams. The Aniya switch would be suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, while the Red switch would appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel for a more substantial experience. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences, with the Aniya being the lighter option and the Red offering a medium level of force. Typing on both switches would yield similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but the difference in feel may still be noticeable to the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Red switch the longer of the two. The standard travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, making the Red switch more traditional in this aspect. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so the Aniya switch may be more appealing to them in that regard. However, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Red switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Red 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 renowned for its moderately clacky sound profile, which is not excessively high-pitched but still offers a pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison between the two in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the Aniya switch is praised for its remarkably smooth sensation, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a medium-light actuation that enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke a delight. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is not specified, making it challenging to contrast the two switches in this regard.
Overall, while the sound profile and feel of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch are well-documented and positively regarded by users, the same cannot be said for the Outemu Red linear switch. In cases where a quality is unknown, it is important to note that different switches can offer varying results, and without concrete information on the Outemu Red switch, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison. As a newcomer exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, it is recommended to gather more information and possibly try out different switches firsthand to determine the best fit for individual preferences. Ultimately, the Aniya linear switch's balance in sound and smooth feel makes it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a harmonious sound profile with a medium-light actuation and smooth feel, the Aniya switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Aniya's clacky sound profile, creamy feel, and lighter bottom out force of 50 grams make it perfect for those seeking a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and are looking for a more straightforward linear switch without specific sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Red switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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