PH Studio Aniya vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Sakura, both linear switches offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, excels in providing a balanced sound profile that leans towards a slightly clacky, yet pleasantly controlled audio experience. Its use of Ly as a stem material enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, complemented by a medium-light actuation that makes typing a joy. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is renowned for its feather-light touch and moderate acoustics, making it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions, ensuring comfort without overwhelming the user with noise. While the Aniya may appeal to those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback and a polished feel, the Sakura is an excellent choice for users who prioritize an effortless typing experience in quieter environments. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aniya features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating a deep and unique sound that is relatively muted. This material, while providing a pleasing acoustic quality, may lack some of the more lively overtones found in switches with different housing materials. In contrast, the Huano Sakura’s top housing is made of POK (polyketone), which offers a slicker performance with a coefficient of friction of 0.04, resulting in smoother keystrokes. The POK material’s durability further enhances the switch, offering resistance to wear and shock that surpasses POM’s capabilities. As a result, the Sakura's top housing produces a clackier and more vibrant sound profile compared to the Aniya.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, the Aniya again employs POM, which contributes to its deeper sound profile. POM’s softer characteristics allow it to produce a muted yet fulfilling experience during key presses. In contrast, the Huano Sakura’s bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound. This absorbs some of the impact of keystrokes, creating a rounder and fuller auditory experience. While both switches’ bottom housings prioritize a deeper sound, the nylon used in the Sakura introduces a slightly different sonic texture compared to the denser POM. The interaction between the typing feel and sound is thus nuanced based on the specific material choices, with the nylon imparting a bit more softness and sound absorption.
In conclusion, while both the PH Studio Aniya and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials that affect their sound characteristics and feel, there are similarities in how they achieve their desired outcomes. Both switches aim for a deeper and more muted sound, albeit with the Aniya’s POM offering a less vibrant tone than the Sakura’s POK. The interplay of the top and bottom housing materials means that the overall experience remains rich and complex, with the qualities of each contributing to the final auditory outcome. If you were to mix aspects of these materials or aim for a similar sound profile, you could combine POM for the bottom housing with a top housing that enhances brightness, such as POK, thereby achieving results that are both similar and distinctive.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both exhibit light force characteristics but vary slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura switch preferable for users who seek a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, the Aniya offers a marginally heavier feel, which might be favored by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are light, the Huano Sakura is the lighter option, providing a slightly easier press, while the PH Studio Aniya offers a stronger push for those who prefer that tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Sakura features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aniya offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial, tactile experience as it provides a deeper press before bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 characterized by a unique clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound that is neither overly intrusive nor too muted. This auditory response can enhance the typing experience by providing a pronounced acoustic feedback, reminiscent of a well-tuned musical instrument. The sound is clean and resonant, giving it an almost marble-like quality that adds to the satisfaction of typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch is known for its medium acoustics, though specific descriptors of its sound profile are unavailable. However, it can be inferred that while the Sakura may not garner the same heightened auditory attention as the Aniya, it offers a balanced auditory experience that is well-suited for prolonged use.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch excels with its creamy, polished, and silky characteristics, thanks to the Ly stem material and likely factory lubrication. This creates a smooth and effortless typing experience, enabling the fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance, akin to a luxurious feel when typing. The Aniya offers a delicate balance between tactile satisfaction and smooth keypresses. The Sakura switch, however, lacks a detailed description of its feel qualities, making it challenging to compare it directly to the Aniya in this regard. One can assume that the Sakura might focus on providing a lightweight touch that supports prolonged typing, but the specifics of its feel remain unknown.
Overall, both the PH Studio Aniya and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to unique typing preferences. The Aniya stands out with its pronounced sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside buttery key travel. The Sakura, while less documented, offers a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, ideal for extended use, but lacks the nuances of tactile and auditory engagement detailed in the Aniya. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on whether one prioritizes a pronounced auditory experience and smooth operation (Aniya) or a more understated acoustic and potentially lightweight feel (Sakura).
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you enjoy a slightly heavier and clackier sound profile, the Aniya’s balanced auditory experience makes it an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate the tactile feedback that comes with a slightly higher actuation force and a smooth, creamy feel. Its 50-gram bottom-out force contributes to a more engaging typing experience, making it suitable for users who enjoy a bit of resistance during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if your priority lies in a feather-light touch and extended comfort during typing, the Huano Sakura, with its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and medium acoustics, will be ideal. Its design promotes a swift keystroke with less fatigue over long use, perfect for those who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value a richer, more textured auditory feedback and a more engaging tactile experience or if you prefer a lighter, quieter switch designed for seamless, prolonged use.
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