PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch. The PH Studio Aniya is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, each keystroke is a delight. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its unique translucent jade yellow housing and punchy tactile bump. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize POM for their top housing material, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch. However, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which may create a slightly different feel when typing compared to the Aniya, as nylon is known for its softer and more sound-absorbing qualities.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade may provide a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the PH Studio Aniya. This difference in material could result in a slight variation in typing experience, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. However, both switches are designed to create a pleasing and unique typing experience overall.
Overall, while both switches have similarities in their use of POM for the top housing, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade sets it apart from the PH Studio Aniya. This difference in material might result in a slightly different sound profile and typing experience between the two switches. However, users can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience from both switches due to their unique housing materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch with an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force requirement, with the Aniya needing 50 grams and the Silent Yellow Jade needing 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aniya switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force, which may be favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Overall, the Aniya switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch is considered medium-heavy.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those looking for quicker response times, especially in the gaming community. The Aniya's 3.2 mm travel distance might provide a slightly snappier feel compared to the 3.3 mm of the Silent Yellow Jade. However, the difference between the two distances is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming 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 Jade 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 leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy experience with a medium volume level. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound that is unique to the Outemu silent tactile lineup. While the Aniya produces a more audible sound, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter typing experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its remarkably smooth feel, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material, offering a creamy and polished typing experience. This results in a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with reduced friction and effortless keystrokes. Meanwhile, details on the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch are not available, but given its tactile nature, it is likely to provide a different tactile feedback compared to the linear Aniya switch.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch excels in providing a balanced sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound that is not overwhelmingly loud, coupled with a smooth and medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a unique "thocky" sound and a tactile bump. While both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the sound and feel preferences that best suit your typing style and environment. If you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation and a smooth feel, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.