PH Studio Aniya vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch stand out as popular options for different preferences. The Aniya switch, known for its harmonious clacky sound profile and smooth feel, offers a medium-light actuation that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, paired with a deep and thocky sound profile. While both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different users, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
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
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The different materials used in the housing give each switch a distinct auditory experience, with the POM providing a softer sound compared to the polycarbonate's more pronounced sound.
However, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches share some similarities in their performance. The use of POM in the Aniya's housing and polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. While the top and bottom housings may have different effects on the sound and feel of the switch, both materials contribute to an overall pleasing typing experience.
In summary, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Aniya's POM housing offers a softer and more muted sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches exhibit high-quality construction and innovative design, showcasing the importance of housing materials in influencing the typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper or more pronounced sound, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that highlights the impact of housing materials on switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya is lighter in both aspects with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying forces. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Aniya for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya will provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Aniya being the shorter option and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch being the longer option.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 offers a clacky and medium-pitched sound profile that strikes a balance between being audible yet not overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is noted for its deep and thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya leaning towards a crisper sound and the Aflion Shadow offering a more resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is known for its remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, attributed to the use of Ly stem material. The medium-light actuation paired with this smooth feel makes each keystroke a delight. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. While the Aniya offers a buttery smoothness, the Aflion Shadow presents a more dynamic tactile experience, appealing to those seeking a bit of bounce in their keystrokes.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel of both switches, it's evident that the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aniya provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a balance of audible feedback and smooth key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow delivers a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel, appealing to users looking for a more dynamic tactile response. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Aniya offers a harmonious balance of sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, the Shadow (Ink) provides a very approachable tactility along with a bouncy feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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