PH Studio Aniya vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, with its harmonious balance in sound profile and medium-light actuation, offers a clacky yet smooth typing experience that many users find delightful. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, thanks to its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Semi Mute provides a buttery and mild typing experience. Both switches have their own unique attributes that cater to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Semi Mute both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Aniya features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both housings offer aesthetic benefits, with polycarbonate being especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, they ultimately provide distinct auditory experiences.
One key difference between the Aniya and the Semi Mute lies in their housing materials, with POM and polycarbonate offering contrasting sound profiles. The POM housing in the Aniya produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing in the Semi Mute results in a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile is further emphasized by the impact of each housing material on the overall feel of the switch, with POM influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and polycarbonate affecting the sound when releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the KTT Semi Mute offer distinct sound profiles, their similarities in creating unique and pleasing auditory experiences should not be overlooked. Both switches aim to provide a high-quality typing experience, with the choice between POM and polycarbonate offering users the opportunity to customize the sound and feel of their keyboard switches. Whether opting for a deeper and more muted sound with POM or a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate, both housing materials contribute to the overall tactile and auditory feedback of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 42 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya is still lighter at 50 grams, while the Semi Mute is slightly heavier at 58 grams. This means that the Aniya switch offers a smoother and lighter typing experience overall, while the Semi Mute provides a slightly firmer and more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within a similar range of actuation forces, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing speed and accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the Semi Mute. The Aniya's 3.2 mm travel distance is on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch lives up to its name by providing a completely silent operation, making it ideal for those seeking a noise-free environment. The Semi Mute switch produces a softer and more muted sound compared to the Aniya, catering to users who prioritize a quiet typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Aniya leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Semi Mute provides a silent and neutral sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch stands out for its creamy and smooth typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. The Aniya switch offers a silky sensation with each keystroke, ensuring a delightful and effortless typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as providing a buttery and mild typing experience, offering a gentle and uniform sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying typing feel, with the Aniya emphasizing smoothness and the Semi Mute focusing on a gentle and approachable keystroke experience.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya leans towards a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Semi Mute provides a completely silent operation and a buttery, mild typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different needs and offer distinct typing experiences. Whether you prioritize a quieter environment or a smoother keystroke sensation, both the Aniya and Semi Mute switches deliver satisfactory results based on their specific characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a harmonious balance in sound profile with a slightly clacky and audible sound, smooth feel, and medium-light actuation, then the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch with completely silent operation, linear actuation, and advanced dampening technology would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics catered towards different preferences and needs.
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