PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya, a linear switch known for its harmonious sound profile, offers a delightful typing experience with its pronounced clacky sound yet moderate volume level. The stem material, Ly, contributes to its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow, also a linear switch, is characterized by its silence, providing a quiet typing experience. When choosing between the Aniya and the Silent Yellow, one may opt for the Aniya for its pleasant auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes, while the Silent Yellow may be preferred for its noiseless operation. 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
2.20 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 PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silent Yellow both utilize unique housing materials to create distinct sound profiles in mechanical keyboards. The Aniya features POM top and bottom housings, which produce a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences for users, with the Aniya offering a more subdued sound compared to the crisper sound of the Silent Yellow. However, both switches provide a pleasing and unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials also plays a role in the visual appeal of the switches. The Aniya's POM housing is not translucent, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through. This difference in transparency can be a deciding factor for users who prioritize customizing the appearance of their keyboards with colorful lighting effects. Additionally, the choice of housing material can also affect the overall feel of the switch, with nylon bottom housings like the one used in the Silent Yellow providing a softer typing experience compared to the stiffer POM bottom housing in the Aniya.
Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches can significantly impact the sound, feel, and look of a keyboard. While the Aniya and the Silent Yellow offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they both provide users with a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of the POM housing in the Aniya or the crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Silent Yellow, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences. Furthermore, the visual and tactile differences between the two switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in enhancing the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Silent Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Aniya switch may be preferred by users who need to type for extended periods, such as in an office setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Silent Yellow switch may be more suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow. The Aniya's 3.2 mm distance is ideal for gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter travel distances are preferred in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press with a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not described, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is known for its creamy and polished sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with every keystroke. Unfortunately, the feel of the Silent Yellow switch is not specified, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this area.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a harmonious balance in sound profile, a clacky and medium-pitched sound, and a smooth and creamy typing feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch could be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are considering the Outemu Silent Yellow switch, more information would be needed to make a thorough comparison in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced clacky sound profile that is not overwhelmingly loud, along with a smooth and medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience, then the Aniya may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and value a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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