PH Studio Aniya vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, both offer unique traits that appeal to different types of keyboard enthusiasts. The PH Studio Aniya is renowned for its carefully crafted sound profile that balances pronounced clackiness with a pleasant auditory experience, thanks to its Ly stem material and medium-light actuation. This results in a smooth feel and enjoyable keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contribute to its smooth travel and similarly clacky sound, catering to users who may prefer a more robust tactile sensation with their keystrokes. While both switches excel in providing a satisfying linear switch experience, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Ragdoll switches reveal both similarities and contrasts that impact their overall acoustic and tactile response. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for generating a unique sound profile that is on the deeper and more muted side. This construction method works to create a distinct auditory experience that is appealing to users seeking a more nuanced typing sound. Conversely, the Ragdoll opts for nylon as its housing material, a classic choice that often delivers a deeper and fuller sound. The softer characteristics of nylon allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials like POM, resulting in a more rounded and less harsh auditory profile.
While both the Aniya and Ragdoll switches provide deep sound profiles, the subjective experience and specific qualities of each switch differ due to their plastic composition. POM is dense and rigid, contributing to a sound that may strike some as more pronounced and refined, but potentially lacking in warmth compared to the Ragdoll's nylon. The latter's softness promotes an absorption of sound that mitigates sharpness, presenting a calmer auditory signature. Each switch effectively utilizes its material to influence both bottom-out sounds and the overall typing feel, but the tactile feedback may vary depending on the user's preference for softer versus more rigid switch characteristics.
Ultimately, users can expect similar results in deep and muted sound qualities with both the Aniya and Ragdoll. The POM housing of the Aniya and the nylon construction of the Ragdoll each serve to create a tactile and auditory experience that favors lower frequencies. However, the nuanced distinctions lie in the execution of these materials. The POM's density may yield a cleaner but less rounded sound compared to the Ragdoll's more forgiving nylon. This interplay between top and bottom housings across both switch types suggests that users can tailor their typing experience by choosing a housing that aligns with their acoustic preferences, thereby still accessing the deeper sound profile sought after, regardless of the specific materials utilized.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, several distinctions can be drawn regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions and gaming due to its reduced strain. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes it medium-light, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, those who prioritize ease and comfort during extended use may lean towards the Aniya, while those seeking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes might prefer the Ragdoll, creating a clear differentiation between a lighter and a heavier option in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Aniya offers a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Ragdoll has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Aniya switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive—an advantage for gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Ragdoll, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience that feels less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a deeper feedback sensation while typing or gaming.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 profile, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch presents a distinctively clacky auditory experience that balances brightness and clarity without overwhelming the user. This quality ensures that while the keystrokes are noticeable, they maintain a pleasant consistency that's not excessively loud. The Aniya's sound can be described as sharp and percussive, offering a delightful acoustic feedback. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch lacks detailed descriptions regarding its sound profile, meaning it could have a less defined character; however, its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to a clacky characteristic, suggesting it may share some auditory qualities with the Aniya but without specific attributes detailed.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Aniya stands out with its silky texture and creamy smoothness, providing an exceptionally pleasurable typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material enhances this smoothness, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys. The medium-light actuation force further complements this effortless engagement. Unfortunately, the Ragdoll does not have sufficient information available about its tactile feel, leaving its smoothness and overall typing experience to the imagination. Therefore, if you prefer a buttery typing experience, the Aniya is a clear choice, but we can only speculate about the Ragdoll’s performance in this regard.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a reliable linear switch with a pleasant clacky sound and a remarkably smooth feel, the PH Studio Aniya switch is an excellent option, offering defined sound and tactile characteristics. The Ragdoll may provide a different experience due to its unique construction, but without more detailed insights, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. For those who prioritize auditory pleasure and seamless key travel, the Aniya is undoubtedly a compelling choice, while the Ragdoll awaits further exploration to ascertain its potential strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits play a significant role. If you prefer a very smooth and creamy typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Aniya is an excellent choice. Its relatively light bottom out force of 50 grams makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort in each keystroke. The Aniya's pronounced but not overly loud clacky sound adds a layer of auditory satisfaction without creating a disruptive environment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with slightly more resistance due to its 52 grams bottom out force and a unique clacky sound with a smooth travel experience, the Ragdoll could be your go-to switch. Its sound profile, while not specified in detail, leans towards providing a crisp auditory feedback that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user experiences; the Aniya shines with its softness and smoothness, while the Ragdoll offers a satisfying firmness with its clack, making them tailored options depending on what you seek in your typing journey.
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