PH Studio Aniya vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its harmonious balance in sound profile, offers a more pronounced clacky sound that isn't excessively loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. With its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke becomes a delight. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Aniya leans towards a higher-pitched sound, the Polaris Gray offers a lower-pitched sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aniya features a POM top and bottom housing, which produces a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Polaris Gray incorporates a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the POM housing creates a unique sound, the polycarbonate housing offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Aniya and the Polaris Gray share the characteristic of offering a pleasing and unique sound profile. The POM housing of the Aniya creates a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Gray produces a sharper and crisper sound. Each material brings distinct qualities to the switches, with the POM housing emphasizing depth and the polycarbonate housing enhancing clarity and resonance. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience with either switch, albeit with slightly different tonal characteristics.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound profile of a switch, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material will be felt differently during use. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material is more noticeable when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by users. Whether opting for POM or polycarbonate housing, both the Aniya and the Polaris Gray offer a distinct auditory and tactile experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, but the actuation force is unknown. While the Aniya switch is on the lighter side, the Polaris Gray offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Aniya being lighter and the Polaris Gray being heavier for those who prefer a different typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is considered on the shorter side, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer and potentially more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Overall, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray, offering a quicker keystroke response for users. However, both switches provide a different typing experience, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It leans towards being high-pitched, ensuring that each keystroke is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound, with a more neutral and low-pitched tone. Both switches promise an enjoyable auditory experience, but the Aniya may appeal more to those who enjoy a sharper sound profile, while the Polaris Gray offers a mellower tone. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya features a creamy and polished typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances typing comfort. The use of Ly as the stem material in these switches ensures a silky feel, making each keystroke effortless and satisfying. Conversely, the Polaris Gray is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches provide a smooth key travel, but the Aniya may cater more towards those who enjoy an exceptionally smooth typing experience.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. While the Aniya leans towards a sharper, more clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel, the Polaris Gray provides a cleaner, more neutral sound and a mild, polished typing experience. Both switches promise a pleasant typing experience, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound profile and a silky feel or a cleaner sound and a gentle typing experience. If you enjoy a specific quality in one switch, you are likely to get similar satisfactory results in the other.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more clacky sound profile with a smooth typing experience, the Aniya linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clean, bouncy typing experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Polaris Gray linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics align best with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience.
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