PH Studio Aniya vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the Akko Rosewood both stand out as compelling linear options, each with unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Aniya, manufactured by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonious balance in sound and feel, offering a clacky yet not excessively loud experience that many users find satisfying. Its smooth operation, aided by a medium-light actuation and a stem made from Ly, creates an enjoyable typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate a combination of auditory feedback and tactile comfort. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deeper, more thocky sound profile, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, providing a rich auditory experience that some users might prefer for its grounding quality. While both switches are designed for a smooth linear experience, the Aniya leans towards a brighter auditory signature, while the Rosewood embodies a more subdued, yet satisfying sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Akko Rosewood exemplify the differences in sound profiles and tactile experiences that can arise from different housing materials, even when they share certain similarities. The Aniya features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing, a material known for creating a unique and pleasing sound characterized as deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic choice that similarly results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials, while distinct, contribute to a sound experience that avoids harshness, making either option appealing to users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback when typing.
While both the Aniya and Rosewood share the trait of producing muted, deeper sound profiles, they diverge in their material characteristics that affect performance. POM is generally harder than nylon, leading to a slightly different interaction in terms of noise and feel. The softer nylon used in the Rosewood absorbs sound to a greater extent, potentially resulting in the more pronounced roundedness of the sound profile. The bottom housing on both switches has a notable influence on the bottom-out sound, with the Aniya's harder POM likely contributing to a more defined sound upon actuation, whereas the Rosewood's nylon may offer a more cushioned response. This nuanced difference can significantly affect a typist's experience, shaping not only the auditory feedback but also the tactile feel during key presses.
Ultimately, both the PH Studio Aniya and Akko Rosewood can create similar enjoyable outcomes, albeit through different approaches. For users, the tactile experience and sound quality will be shaped by each material's impact, with the Aniya providing a more distinct bottom-out noise due to the firmer POM, while the Rosewood’s nylon may feel softer and more forgiving. Those who appreciate the softer touch of nylon may favor the Rosewood, while those who prefer a potentially crisper response might opt for the Aniya’s POM housings. In this way, both switches highlight how subtle differences in housing material can lead to varied results, yet both can fulfill the desire for a pleasing and unique typing sound.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for long typing sessions and gaming. The Aniya switch requires an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Rosewood switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that users will feel a similar resistance when pressing the key all the way down, regardless of the switch's actuation force. As such, while the Rosewood switch is marginally lighter in terms of actuation, both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter touch for extended use, the Rosewood might be the more appealing choice, yet both switches provide a comfortable typing experience for those who appreciate a lighter switch overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Aniya switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Rosewood boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Aniya switch offers a shorter actuation distance, which could be beneficial for gamers and those seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper keystroke for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and quick actuation, the shorter Aniya switch might be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced depth may find the longer Rosewood switch to be more satisfying.
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 Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
When comparing the auditory experiences of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, one finds two distinct yet enjoyable sound profiles. The Aniya switches produce a clacky sound that can be characterized as crisp and bright. They offer a pronounced auditory feedback that is not excessively high-pitched, hitting a sweet spot that contributes to an engaging typing experience without overwhelming the user. In contrast, the Rosewood switches exhibit a deep, satisfying thocky sound that resonates with a rich bass quality due to a factory-applied lubricant. This layered sound gives a more robust auditory experience compared to the Aniya, appealing to those who favor a fuller sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switches excel with their medium-light actuation and notably smooth feel, thanks to the Ly material used in their construction. The consistent creamy, polished, and silky characteristics create a luxuriant typing experience, allowing users to glide over the keys effortlessly. The tactile feedback from the Aniya switches is designed for comfort and enjoyment, making every keystroke a delight. The Rosewood switches, while not as elaborately described in tactile qualities, are likely equipped with similar smooth performance due to their linear nature, but specific tactile performance metrics remain unknown.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Aniya and Akko Rosewood linear switches provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aniya offers a clackier, more pronounced auditory experience along with a notably smooth feel, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate sound alongside tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Rosewood's thocky sound can appeal to users who prefer a deeper auditory experience. While both switches promise a pleasurable typing experience, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your preference for sound profile and typing experience will guide your decision. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience without it being overwhelmingly loud, the Aniya is an excellent choice. Its clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile provides a delightful feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate a smoother and creamier feel as its Ly material stem adds a touch of luxury to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a deeper, more satisfying thocky sound and prefer a switch that feels polished right out of the box, the Rosewood might be more aligned with your preferences. It offers a rich auditory experience coupled with a smooth typing sensation due to its factory lubrication, making it an ideal option for those who appreciate a more bassy auditory response. Ultimately, understanding your own typing habits and sound preferences will help you decide between the enjoyable clack of the Aniya or the satisfying thock of the Rosewood.
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