PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aniya switch is characterized by its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being overly loud. The smooth feel provided by the Ly stem material, along with a medium-light actuation, makes typing on the Aniya a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch from Outemu offers a quiet typing experience with a highly tactile feedback. With a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, these switches are perfect for those who value both satisfaction and silence while 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Aniya's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing is more translucent, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Aniya's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing results in a fuller and rounder sound.
While both the Aniya and the Silent Grey switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they each have their own unique characteristics. The POM top housing of the Aniya provides a pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to a muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey adds a deeper and fuller tone to typing. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their specific housing materials.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on a switch, it becomes apparent how each component influences the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch like the Aniya or the Silent Grey creates a balanced typing experience, with each component contributing to the overall sound profile in its own distinct way.
Weight
In comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Aniya allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the heavier actuation force of the Silent Grey offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Aniya being lighter and the Silent Grey being heavier.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya's shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its clacky and somewhat high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience that leans towards a more pronounced clack without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a smooth keystroke and a pronounced bump, making it perfect for those who prefer a satisfying and silent typing experience. While the Aniya leans towards a more lively sound profile, the Silent Grey provides a quieter and more tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the lively clack of the Aniya or the silent tactility of the Silent Grey for their mechanical keyboard switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light actuation that makes every keystroke delightful. The stem material of Ly contributes to the remarkably smooth feel of the Aniya switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided. However, tactile switches typically offer a satisfying bump and smooth keystroke, making typing enjoyable and responsive. The Silent Grey switch is designed to provide a smooth and tactile typing experience without the loud noise associated with traditional mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from based on their preferences. The Aniya provides a clacky and somewhat high-pitched sound with a creamy and smooth typing feel, while the Silent Grey offers a quiet and tactile typing experience without a specific feel descriptor provided. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aniya focusing on a more lively and pronounced sound and smooth feel, while the Silent Grey emphasizes a quiet and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, users can select the switch that aligns best with their desired sound and feel qualities for their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smooth and enjoyable keystroke experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound profile, feel, and typing force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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