PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between unique options that each offer distinct tactile experiences. The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, crafted by BSUN, stands out with its balanced sound profile, merging a slightly clacky yet not excessively high-pitched auditory experience with a smooth keystroke, thanks to its Ly stem material. This switch caters to users who appreciate an engaging sound and tactile feedback without overwhelming noise, as evidenced by its medium-light actuation that results in delightfully responsive typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches excel with their medium-weight, all-POM design, providing a satisfying thocky sound profile that doesn’t compromise on smoothness. This makes them an excellent choice for those who seek durability and a rich acoustic experience while maintaining affordability. Ultimately, both switches present compelling reasons to be chosen based on individual preferences for sound and feel. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches share a remarkable similarity, as both feature POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of polymer results in an acoustically pleasing experience, as POM is known for its durability and sound-damping qualities. Both switches exhibit a unique sound profile that can be characterized as deeper and relatively muted compared to other housing materials, offering a subtle and refined auditory feedback during typing or gaming sessions. As such, users of either switch can expect a comparable sound signature that enhances their overall experience.
Despite the shared POM material, the impact of the sound and typing feel could differ slightly. While both the Aniya and Sea Salt Smoothie utilize POM in both housings, the distribution of the material’s acoustic qualities can influence user experience in nuanced ways. With the bottom housing being primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, typists may find similar physical feedback when pressing down on the switches. However, the sound profile upon release, which is dictated more by the top housing, could sound nearly indistinguishable between the two options due to the same material composition. Therefore, while users won't experience drastic variation in sound or feel, each switch may have its own unique character due to design factors beyond material alone.
In essence, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may come down to personal preference regarding brand loyalty or aesthetic design, rather than material differences. Given their shared POM housing characteristics, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with a deeper, muted sound profile. Users can expect similar results in dynamic key response and auditory feedback, making either switch an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking unique sound profiles in mechanical keyboards. The consistent use of POM in both the top and bottom housings fosters a cohesive sound experience, ensuring that users will enjoy the richness and well-tempered acoustics, regardless of their selection.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Aniya features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie comes with a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Additionally, while the Aniya has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. This uncertainty means that users of the Sea Salt Smoothie may experience a different tactile feedback when pressing the key all the way down compared to the Aniya. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch will find the Aniya more favorable, while those preferring a stronger push should consider the Sea Salt Smoothie, especially if they enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the key difference lies in their respective measurements. The Aniya switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, ranking it as the longer switch. This difference indicates that those opting for the Aniya switch will experience a quicker response time, which is often favored by gamers looking for snappy feedback. Conversely, the longer 3.7 mm travel distance of the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile depth, providing a more pronounced feel during key presses. Thus, if you prefer rapid actuation, the Aniya would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more traditional and hearty keystroke, the Sea Salt Smoothie would suit you better.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 considering the sound profile of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch, it can be described as a harmonious combination of clacky and high-pitched tonal qualities. This results in a crisp, bright sound that is both sharp and percussive, creating an engaging auditory experience without being excessively loud. The Aniya's slightly marbly resonance adds depth to its sound, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which lends itself to a more bass-rich auditory experience compared to the Aniya. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Smoothie were not disclosed, leaving some uncertainty in how it compares to the Aniya's sound; the two are likely to evoke somewhat different auditory experiences based on their design.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth typing experience, thanks to elements such as creamy and polished characteristics. Users can expect a silky and buttery sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This smoothness is often attributed to the stem material and potential factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and an overall polished feel. On the other hand, there’s no specific information provided about the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. Without knowing how the Smoothie's feel measures up, one can only infer that if it emphasizes a smooth experience similar to that of the Aniya, users might enjoy comparable performance.
In conclusion, when weighing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch against the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, we find notable differences in their sound profiles, with the Aniya leaning towards a clacky, bright tone and the Smoothie offering a thocky sound. The Aniya’s feel is characterized by exceptional smoothness and creamy characteristics, providing a delightful typing experience; meanwhile, the feel of the Smoothie remains unknown, leaving potential users without direct comparisons. Ultimately, if both switches emphasize smoothness, users can expect positive typing experiences from either choice, but those seeking specific auditory feedback may need to weigh their preferences carefully.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences for feel and sound. If you gravitate towards a lighter typing experience with a more pronounced and pleasant auditory feedback, the Aniya is likely your best choice. Its combination of a 50-gram bottom-out force and a sound profile that leans towards clacky yet refined makes it an enjoyable option for those who relish the nuances of keystrokes without overwhelming noise. Moreover, the smooth touch of the Ly stem material enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile with a more substantial feel as you type, the Sea Salt Smoothie may be your go-to option. While its bottom-out force is less defined, it's praised for exceptional smoothness and a balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a solid yet quiet typing sensation. Overall, consider your typing style, environment, and sound preferences, as both switches will give you distinct experiences that cater to different tastes.
Mentioned in this article
