PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its balanced sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound, offers a pleasant auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. With its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, each keystroke becomes a delight. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, while lacking specific distinctions in sound profile, may appeal to those looking for a straightforward linear switch. 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
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 Silver switches offer different sound profiles due to the use of POM and polycarbonate in the top housings, respectively. The POM top housing of the Aniya produces a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a great choice for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silver elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Aniya, which also produces a pleasingly unique sound profile.
While the POM top housing of the Aniya and the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver offer distinct sound profiles, their bottom housings also contribute to the overall typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Silver absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more resonant POM bottom housing of the Aniya. When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the typing experience, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound profile of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Silver switches, both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles. The POM and polycarbonate top housings create distinct sound profiles, with POM producing a deeper sound and polycarbonate yielding a sharper sound. Similarly, the POM and nylon bottom housings also contribute to the overall typing experience, with POM providing a more muted sound and nylon offering a fuller sound. However, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience varies, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel, making it an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter in both aspects compared to the Silver. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Aniya requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Silver, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Aniya, while those who prefer a heavier typing experience may choose the Silver for their keyboard setup.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silver switch. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. Those who prefer a faster response time may opt for the Aniya switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Outemu Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the travel distance, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keypress smoothness.
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 Silver 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 clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile that is not overly loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience for users. Additionally, the switch is known for its remarkably smooth feel, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material, resulting in a medium-light actuation that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have specific descriptors for sound or feel available, so it is difficult to directly compare these qualities. However, based on the information provided, users can expect a similar level of smoothness and comfort when typing on the Silver switch. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation, the Aniya switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a smoother, polished typing experience, the Silver switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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