PH Studio Aniya vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch are both excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience. The Aniya is known for its harmonious balance in sound profile, offering a pronounced clacky sound that is not overwhelmingly loud, paired with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are praised for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While both switches offer pleasing auditory and tactile experiences, the Aniya leans towards a more clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Piano Pro switches have a bouncy and polished feel. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in terms of the material used, with the Aniya featuring POM housings and the V3 Piano Pro using nylon housings. While both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, POM is described as creating a relatively more muted sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by nylon. This distinction in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users of both keyboards.
Additionally, the top and bottom housings of the switches in the Aniya and V3 Piano Pro keyboards play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that the impact of each material is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting go. The bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel, will typically have more of an impact while typing, whereas the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This intricate interplay between the two housing materials adds complexity to the typing experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Aniya and the V3 Piano Pro, both keyboards aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound profile for users. While the POM and nylon housings may have distinct characteristics in terms of sound quality, both materials are chosen for their ability to create a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound experience from both keyboards, albeit with slight variations in tone and texture due to the different housing materials used. Ultimately, the choice between the two keyboards may come down to personal preference and the specific qualities that each user values in a typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both offer light to medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Aniya has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches are suitable for longer typing sessions and gaming, with the Aniya being slightly lighter and the V3 Piano Pro offering a slightly more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm. Gamers may prefer the Aniya for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 best known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This switch leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound, creating an audible yet not overwhelming typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer a smooth actuation, ensuring a pleasing auditory experience for users. While the Aniya switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, the V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized as resonant and clacky, providing a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is celebrated for its creamy, smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation and the use of Ly as the stem material, this switch offers a remarkably smooth feel, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. While both switches offer a polished and silky typing experience, the Aniya switch leans towards a more buttery feel, whereas the Piano Pro switch offers a lively and rebounding feedback. Ultimately, the feel of these switches will affect the overall typing experience and user preference.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aniya switch leans towards a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing feel, providing a smooth and buttery experience for users. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a snappy sound signature and a bouncy feel, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a harmonious, clacky sound profile that isn't overwhelmingly loud, along with a smooth and delightful keystroke experience, the Aniya may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy and lively sound signature that adds a crisp quality to each keystroke, paired with a smooth and pleasing tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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