PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When considering the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders emerge: the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Silent Red, both of which fall into the linear switch category but cater to distinct user preferences. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, offers a compelling auditory experience with its pronounced clacky sound profile that strikes a balance between being lively and not overly intrusive. Its use of Ly as the stem material contributes to a silky smooth feel and a medium-light actuation, ensuring a delightful and engaging keystroke. This makes the Aniya a great choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes discretion with its muted sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who seek a seamless typing experience in shared environments like offices or living spaces. Its smooth and consistent operation, combined with a cushioned bottom-out feel, enhances comfort without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, while both switches deliver unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Aniya Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Silent Red switches showcase distinctive characteristics that influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Aniya employs a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound. This unique sound is attributed to the inherent properties of POM, which tends to absorb vibrations, resulting in a more pleasant and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate not only enhances clarity but also allows for a more resonant profile, making it ideal for users seeking precision in auditory feedback, particularly in environments with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Aniya utilizes a POM bottom housing, which continues the trend of delivering a deeper sound profile that is rich yet more muted. This contributes to a smoother tactile feel while typing, emphasizing comfort and a luxurious typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a fuller, rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller impact that can be less jarring than that of harder plastics. Thus, while the Aniya's setup leans towards a muted and round auditory experience, the Silent Red tends towards a crisper, clearer feedback, which is essential for users who might prioritize pronounced key presses.

Overall, the duality of the housing materials in each switch offers players options that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. For those who appreciate a deep, rich auditory experience, the combination of POM top and bottom in the Aniya achieves a unique harmony. Meanwhile, the Silent Red's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a more dynamic interplay, with the crisper top housing enhancing clarity while the nylon bottom softens impact. If one were to seek similar performance characteristics between both switches, it would be essential to consider how the varying qualities of POM and nylon (or polycarbonate) affect the final sound and feel during use. Ultimately, whether opting for the Aniya or the Silent Red, users can achieve satisfying results, though the tactile experiences will undoubtedly be distinct.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch with the TTC Silent Red linear switch, notable differences can be seen in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes it more suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile response and a stronger push feel while typing. Thus, for users prioritizing lightness and ease in key presses, the Aniya switch is the better option, while the Silent Red switch caters to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness, as it allows for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Red's longer travel distance of 3.7 mm might provide a more traditional feel and could be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper actuation when typing or gaming. For those who favor a more immediate response, the Aniya would likely deliver similar results, as its shorter distance can contribute to faster key actuation. In essence, whether you choose the Aniya or the Silent Red will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone, granting a crisp and bright sound with a resonant quality that stands out during typing sessions. This clackiness provides a satisfying auditory feedback that can be a joy for users who enjoy that tactile sound but remains moderate enough not to be intrusive in most settings. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch focuses on providing a muted sound output, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments like offices or shared space. With a significantly softer and more subdued auditory profile, the Silent Reds minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, thereby favoring a more contemplative typing atmosphere.

In terms of feel, the Aniya switch is known for its creamy and silky texture, creating a smooth typing experience that feels luxurious as your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. This gentle resistive quality, combined with factory lubing, elevates the overall comfort and seamlessness in keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Red linear switch delivers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentler typing experience that is approachable to most users. While still offering smooth key travel, the TTC Silent Red does not have the same level of luxurious smoothness as the Aniya; however, it excels in comfort through its well-rounded, refined touch.

Overall, the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Aniya switch will appeal to those who enjoy an engaging and prominent sound with a luxurious typing experience, while the Silent Red is perfect for users seeking a quiet environment with a comfortable and smooth feel. Depending on your priorities—auditory feedback versus noise minimization and tactile comfort—either switch can fulfill your needs, though the experiences will differ significantly in terms of sound profile and overall typing sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke and an engaging auditory experience, the Aniya switch is your best bet. It offers a delightful balance of smoothness and a clacky sound profile that provides a lively typing experience, making it a joyous option for both casual typing and gaming. However, if you find yourself in an office environment or shared living space where noise can be a concern, the TTC Silent Red switches are a better choice. Their muted sound profile ensures a discreet typing experience while still delivering a smooth, polished feel. The Silent Reds offer a more medium-heavy bottom-out force, which may suit those who prefer a firmer response when typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize sound, feel, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Aniya Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more