PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch stand out as compelling options. The Aniya switch, known for its harmonious sound profile characterized by a pronounced clacky sound, offers a smooth feel and medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches vary in terms of sound profiles. The Aniya's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a higher-pitched, clacky sound. These differences in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Aniya offering a quieter and smoother typing feel compared to the more distinct and clicky sound of the Silent Ink Black.
In contrast, when it comes to the bottom housings of the switches, both the Aniya's POM bottom housing and the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing share similar sound profiles with their respective top housings. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be consistent with the overall sound profile of the switch. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience, providing a unique and satisfying feel to each keystroke. It is worth noting that the bottom housing can affect the overall typing experience just as much as the top housing, making it an essential component to consider when choosing a switch.
Overall, the choice between the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Aniya's POM housing offers a more subdued and pleasant typing experience, ideal for those looking for a quieter and smoother feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend housing provides a more pronounced and clacky sound, perfect for users who prefer a more distinct and tactile feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Aniya is lighter in both regards. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Aniya provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black offers a heavier push feel, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, but the Aniya offers a shorter travel distance for those prioritizing speed, while the Silent Ink Black provides a longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press depth.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 slightly high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience with a medium level of noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound, specifically designed for quieter typing environments. This switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a softer and more subtle sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound, the Aniya switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced and clacky typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for those who prefer a more subdued and muted sound while typing.
When it comes to feel, both the Aniya and Silent Ink Black switches are described as offering a silky and polished typing experience. The Aniya switch features a creamy and smooth feel, attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material and a medium-light actuation force, providing a delightful keystroke sensation. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal resistance, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. As both switches are described as silky and polished, users can expect a refined and comfortable feel while typing with either switch.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch differ in sound profiles, they both offer a smooth and polished typing experience. The Aniya switch is best suited for those who enjoy a clacky and more pronounced sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for individuals who prefer a muted and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Aniya or the Silent Ink Black switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with a focus on smoothness and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be typing. If you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound profile that isn't excessively loud, along with a smooth and medium-light actuation, the Aniya may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black could be the better option. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch suits your typing needs best.
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