PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can often boil down to the auditory and tactile experience. The PH Studio Aniya stands out with its harmonious sound profile, offering a delightful balance between clacky and creamy tones without being excessively loud. Crafted with a Ly stem material, these linear switches provide a remarkably smooth feel and a medium-light actuation that enhances every keystroke, making them an excellent choice for those who relish a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches prioritize discretion, designed for users who require a whisper-quiet experience without sacrificing switch feel. With a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, they deliver a satisfying yet subtle response that is perfect for a more focused typing environment or shared spaces. While the Aniya caters to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory character in their typing experience, the Silent Sakura appeals to typists seeking tranquility. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 examining the housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, notable differences emerge that affect their overall acoustic characteristics and tactile responses. The Aniya features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a nylon top housing, which, while still producing a deeper sound, offers a slightly different auditory experience due to nylon's unique properties. Both materials provide a rich typing experience, but the softer properties of nylon tend to absorb more sound and produce a fuller, rounder tonal quality.
The bottom housings of the two switches present an even starker contrast. While the Aniya utilizes a POM bottom housing that complements its top housing by maintaining a consistent, muted sound, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Polycarbonate is recognized for generating a sharper, crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. As a result, the Aniya maintains a cohesive, mellow tone through both of its POM components, whereas the Silent Sakura’s combination of nylon and polycarbonate creates a more varied acoustic landscape—deeper on bottom-out due to the polycarbonate's properties yet sharper and clearer when returning to rest.
Ultimately, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can yield similar results in terms of user experience, albeit through varied sound profiles. The Aniya’s entirely POM construction promotes a consistent and smoother auditory signature, while the Silent Sakura's mix of nylon and polycarbonate allows users to experience a broader spectrum of sound. When pressed, the qualities of each switch's bottom housing will primarily shape the bottom-out feel, while the release sound will be more heavily influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while using these switches may feel distinct and result in different acoustic outcomes, both can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, catering to varying preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference in actuation force makes the Aniya a more suitable option for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as its lighter feel can reduce finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Aniya has a bottom out force of 50 grams, compared to the Silent Sakura's heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. Thus, while both switches cater to users who may favor linear feel, the Aniya is distinctly lighter overall, offering a softer typing experience, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura provides a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial tactile engagement.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Aniya featuring a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Silent Sakura boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction indicates that the Aniya, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a more responsive feel, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quicker key presses for enhanced performance. Conversely, the Silent Sakura’s longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more substantial feedback, which some users may prefer for a greater sense of depth while typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a snappy response, the Aniya may be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feel, the Silent Sakura might be more suitable. In summary, the Aniya offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Sakura, which has the longer travel.
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 - 53g 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 comparing the sound profiles of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, the contrast is quite striking. The Aniya switch is known for its clacky sound, which can be described as crisp and bright, leaning towards a high-pitched audibility that delivers a percussive quality with each keystroke. This striking sound maintains a pleasant balance, preventing it from becoming overwhelmingly loud. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches offer an entirely different auditory experience with their focus on whisper-quiet operation. While specific descriptors for the Silent Sakura’s sound are currently unknown, the overarching aim of these switches is to facilitate discrete typing, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, effectively prioritizing silence over pronounced auditory feedback.
In terms of tactile feel, the Aniya switch stands out for its remarkably smooth experience. Its creamy, polished, and silky qualities ensure minimal friction and an effortless glide for the fingers when typing. This smooth sensation is often enhanced by the stem material and potential factory lubrication. In comparison, details regarding the feel of the Silent Sakura switches remain unspecified, leaving an ambiguity about their tactile characteristics. However, given that they are designed with a focus on a satisfying keystroke at a balanced actuation force, it's reasonable to assume they would not compromise significantly on smoothness either, appealing to typists looking for a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch excels in sound with its clacky and bright auditory profile and boasts an impressively smooth tactile feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch takes a markedly different approach by prioritizing silence and potentially comfort. If silence is paramount, the Silent Sakura may be the better choice, though it lacks the explicit tactile characteristics of the Aniya. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to whether one values pronounced auditory feedback and a buttery smooth typing experience or prefers a quiet atmosphere without sacrificing on key response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a lighter actuation force with a delightful auditory presence, the Aniya is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced, clacky sound that's both crisp and resonant. Its creamy, silky feel makes for an enjoyable typing experience that can enhance both writing and gaming sessions. Conversely, if you prioritize a quieter, more subdued typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g should be your go-to. With its medium-light force and whisper-quiet operation, this switch is ideal for working in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions where noise might be an issue. Additionally, its balance of tactile feedback and smoothness ensures that you won't sacrifice comfort while achieving a subtle yet satisfying keystroke. Overall, your choice will hinge on whether you want the engaging audio feedback and smoothness of the Aniya or the silent, pleasant typing of the Silent Sakura.
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