PH Studio Aniya vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch each offer a unique typing experience with their distinct characteristics. The Aniya switch is praised for its balanced sound profile that leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke on the Aniya switch is a delight. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series from Durock catches the eye with its pastel color options and a typing experience that emanates dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and offer a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
62g
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
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Aniya features POM top and bottom housings, creating a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a brighter and pleasant sound. While both switches provide unique sound profiles, the Aniya leans towards a deeper tone while the Sea Glass offers a brighter sound.
Despite their differences in sound profiles, the housing materials of the Aniya and Sea Glass both aim to create a pleasing auditory experience for users. The POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya contribute to a unique sound that is more on the muted side, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top and bottom housings of the Sea Glass produce a brighter sound that is equally pleasant. Both switches prioritize creating an enjoyable sound profile, albeit with slightly different tonal characteristics.
When comparing the housing materials of the Aniya and Sea Glass, it is important to consider how each component affects the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether POM or a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of a switch, users can make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter overall. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches require a relatively light touch to actuate, but the Sea Glass provides a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Aniya may be the better option, while the Sea Glass may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. The shorter travel distance of the Aniya may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sea Glass may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will result in different typing experiences due to their varying travel distances.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, emanating a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. While the Aniya has a more traditional clacky sound, the Sea Glass provides a more ethereal and airy typing experience, catering to different sound preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving on to feel, the Aniya switch is known for its remarkably smooth feel attributed to the stem material, offering a creamy and silky typing sensation. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized by its frictionless nature, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. While the Aniya offers a buttery smoothness, the Sea Glass provides a light and feathery feel, requiring minimal exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches prioritize smoothness, but the Sea Glass emphasizes weightlessness and ease of pressing.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Aniya provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing feel, while the Sea Glass offers a uniquely hollow sound signature and a frictionless, feathery typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more traditional clacky sound with a silky feel or a modern hollow sound with an effortless pressing sensation, both switches provide quality options for enthusiasts seeking a specific auditory and tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a smoother and creamier feel with a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more frictionless and feathery typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and distinct tactile feels, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Happy typing!
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