PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different user preferences. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile that leans towards a clacky, yet not overwhelmingly loud, auditory experience. With a smooth feel attributed to its Ly stem material and a medium-light actuation force, the Aniya excels in providing a delightful typing sensation, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a bit of feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a muted typing experience, perfect for environments where silence is golden. Its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force makes it an ideal selection for light typists or those who simply prefer a quieter, more serene typing environment. While both switches cater to varying preferences in sound and feel, understanding their unique attributes will help you make an informed choice. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, one can observe distinct differences in the choice of housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a muted and deeper sound. This characteristic is evident in the Aniya’s performance, as the POM material absorbs sound effectively, leading to a unique auditory experience that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon top offers a similar deep sound quality due to its softer nature, yet it contrasts with the sharper, more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing, which tends to highlight higher frequencies.
The differences in housing materials impact not only the sound produced but also the tactile feedback experienced while typing. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya imparts a more consistent and softened bottom-out feel, further contributing to its overall muted sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a more pronounced and crisp experience when the key is pressed down, enhancing the tactile feedback. This leads to a clearer distinction between the sounds produced during the act of pressing and releasing the keys, with the polycarbonate contributing a brighter tone compared to the Aniya’s warmer sound signature.
Despite these differences in material and resultant sound profiles, both the Aniya and the Silent Sakura - 43g can yield similar results in terms of a satisfying typing experience. While the Aniya leans more towards a subdued auditory experience due to its uniform use of POM, the Silent Sakura balances the deep tones of nylon with the clarity of polycarbonate. Thus, users looking for a deep sound profile may find solace in both switches, albeit through different pathways. The combination of softer and harder materials in the Silent Sakura provides a versatile experience, whereas the Aniya's uniformity ensures consistency. Ultimately, both switches serve their purpose well and cater to individual preferences regarding sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means the Silent Sakura requires less pressure to register a keystroke, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Aniya's actuation force is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. Overall, both switches cater to users who prefer lighter switches, but the Silent Sakura is notably easier to press, which may enhance comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Aniya switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more responsive and suited for gamers who favor quicker actuation. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, with its deeper 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more tactile experience that some users prefer, as it allows for a fuller key press. Thus, if you value rapid response times, the Aniya would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might opt for the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch exhibits a delightful clacky auditory profile that is both sharp and snappy. This sound characteristic allows for a crisp, bright, and percussive feedback with each keystroke, creating a more engaging typing experience. Though audible, the volume remains in the pleasant range, so it does not overwhelm the senses. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is deliberately designed for a whisper-quiet operation, producing sound that echoes the gentle tapping of raindrops. This stark contrast makes the Silent Sakura ideal for those who prioritize a serene typing environment over acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switches excel with their remarkably smooth experience, attributed to their ly-stem material which offers a creamy, polished, and silky sensation during use. Typists can expect a luxurious glide across the keys, making each keystroke feel effortless due to reduced friction. Conversely, details about the feel of the Silent Sakura are not available, leaving the experience of this aspect somewhat unknown. For users who value a smooth and enjoyable typing feel, Aniya switches deliver a dependable and pleasurable performance.
In summary, both switches cater to distinct preferences in typing experience. The PH Studio Aniya is tailored for those who appreciate a clacky sound and a very smooth feel, ideal for a more expressive and tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch focuses on providing a quiet environment, making it preferable for those who type in shared spaces. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, understanding these differences can aid in selecting the right switch based on their individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a tactile sound profile that offers a delicate balance between auditory pleasure and discretion, the Aniya is an excellent choice with its clacky and pronounced sound, providing an enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming noise. Its medium-light actuation force of 50 grams contributes to a smooth, polished feel, making it ideal for users who want a little more feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience, perhaps for a shared workspace or late-night typing sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for you. With its whisper-quiet operation and lighter 43g bottom-out force, it fosters a serene environment without sacrificing the smoothness you desire. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs—whether that leans toward expressive, lively sounds or a tranquil, understated approach to typing. Consider your setting and personal comfort when making your choice, and you'll surely find the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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