PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and HMX Perky present two intriguing options for enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonic sound profile that strikes a balance between being clackily pronounced and pleasantly subdued. Featuring a smooth Ly stem material and medium-light actuation, it offers a delightful keystroke that’s sure to please those who appreciate an auditory element to their typing. In contrast, the HMX Perky, with its softer nylon housing, is designed for a more condensed and neutral typing experience, allowing users to enjoy rapid keystrokes thanks to its shorter travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the Aniya ideal for those who enjoy a bit of sound and feedback, while the Perky excels in speed and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Perky switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly affect their acoustic profiles. Both switches utilize materials that are recognized for producing deeper sound profiles, yet they adopt different compositions for their components. The Aniya employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for delivering a unique, muted sound. This muted tone contributes to an overall sound experience that is distinct, appealing, and offers a degree of warmth. Conversely, the Perky switches utilize nylon for their housings, which also results in a deeper and richer sound but with a fuller quality. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, toning down the sharpness and enhancing the roundness of the auditory experience.
While both switches aim for a similar acoustic outcome characterized by deeper sound profiles, their approaches differ in execution. The POM material of the Aniya emphasizes a unique sound quality that sets it apart, giving it a slightly different texture compared to the nylon housing of the HMX Perky. The nuanced differences arise from the fact that POM is a harder plastic than nylon, leading to variations in the tactile sensation and the acoustic signature produced during typing. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing’s effect will dominate, but users might find that the faint characteristics of each material contribute differently to the sound as the key is released. The POM's muted resonance contrasts with the nylon's damping effect, creating distinct auditory experiences.
In practical terms, both the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Perky are designed to emit sounds that are less harsh than those produced by harder plastics. Through the use of POM and nylon, users can expect a satisfying depth in sound, albeit through different means. While the Aniya's unique POM acoustics provide a particular warmth, the Perky's nylon cushioning leads to a full-bodied auditory experience. When pressed, both designs prioritize delivering a sound that avoids sharpness, achieving similar acoustic outcomes that focus on pleasant deeper tones. Ultimately, despite their differing materials, the switches share the common goal of producing a typing experience that emphasizes comfort and rich auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, both share remarkably similar specifications regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Perky has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams but matches the Aniya's bottom out force at 50 grams. This indicates that both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use in work or gaming scenarios. The difference in actuation forces means that while the Aniya is marginally lighter, the overall bottoming out experience remains the same for both switches. Consequently, users can expect a similar tactile response when bottoming out, but those who prefer a slightly lighter touch may lean towards the Aniya switch. In summary, if you're looking for a switch focused on comfort during extended typing sessions, both options are viable, although the Aniya offers a very subtle advantage in actuation weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Aniya features a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Perky offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Aniya may provide a more responsive feel, enabling quicker key presses. Conversely, the Perky's longer travel distance could appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and enjoy the depth that comes with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth in typing.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 distinct clacky sound profile, which combines a high-pitched tone with a resonant quality. This results in a sharp, crisp auditory feedback that gives each keystroke a satisfying percussive feel. The sound is enjoyable without being overpowering, making it suitable for both typing and gaming environments. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch has not been detailed in terms of its auditory characteristics, leaving an unknown under this criterion. However, the nature of each switch being a linear type suggests that the Perky may present a quieter experience compared to the Aniya.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch shines with its silky smoothness, often attributed to the use of high-quality materials and potential factory lubrication. This creates a creamy and polished typing experience, enchanting typists with effortless keystrokes and minimal resistance. Users can expect a refined and luxurious sensation with each press. On the other hand, while the HMX Perky is characterized by its softer and glittery nylon housing, further detailed attributes regarding its tactile feedback or overall typing experience have not been provided. This leads to uncertainty about whether the feel compared to the Aniya would be equally satisfying or diverge in experience.
In summary, both the PH Studio Aniya and HMX Perky linear switches cater to different preferences owing to their unique sound and feel qualities. The Aniya leans strongly towards an audible, clacky sound paired with a luxuriously smooth typing experience, making it great for those who appreciate auditory feedback and refined keystrokes. The perceptible difference in sound quality paired with the delightful feel of the Aniya sets expectations high, while the quieter and less defined auditory profile of the Perky—alongside its unknown tactile sensations—might attract different user preferences. Ultimately, if a user enjoys the auditory experience of the Aniya, it is likely they may seek out a similar experience with other linear switches or choose one with lower noise for a more subdued typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences regarding sound profile and typing feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience with a clacky, bright sound that engages your senses without being overwhelming, the Aniya switch will likely be your go-to. The creamy and polished feel, combined with its medium-light actuation, makes it ideal for those who appreciate smooth keystrokes and a satisfying tactile response while typing or gaming. However, if your priority lies in a typing experience that is more neutral and offers a condensed feel due to the shorter travel distance, then the HMX Perky switch would serve you well. Its glittery nylon housing presents a softer typing experience that remains deeply satisfying without the more pronounced sounds of the Aniya. Thus, your selection should reflect whether you lean towards a richer auditory experience and a smooth touch with the Aniya, or if you prefer a neutral feel paired with a quieter typing environment through the Perky.
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