PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Aniya boasts a harmonious sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound that isn't excessively loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. With a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, every keystroke feels delightful. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch at a budget-friendly price point. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, catering to a variety of preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Smoothie utilize POM material for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. The use of POM material in both switches creates a unique and pleasing sound experience that is consistent across the board. This similarity ensures that users can expect a certain level of quality and comfort when using either switch.
While both switches share the same housing material, they may differ in their design and construction. The Aniya may have a specific shape or structure that enhances the sound and feel of the switch, while the Smoothie may focus on a different aspect of performance. These design differences can impact the overall typing experience, with each switch offering a slightly different feel and sound profile despite using the same housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Smoothie may come down to personal preference. While both switches offer similar housing materials and sound profiles, the subtle differences in design and construction can make one switch more appealing to certain users over the other. Whether you prioritize the feel of the bottom housing or the sound of the top housing, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience for those in search of a deep and muted sound profile.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams, making it require a slightly firmer push to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aniya has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Aniya switch provides a more consistent resistance throughout the typing process, while the Smoothie may have a softer bottom out feel. In terms of weight, the Aniya is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the option to choose based on their individual preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Smoothie has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for swift key presses. On the other hand, the Smoothie provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Aniya offering a faster response time and the Smoothie providing a more robust key press feel.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 characterized by a clacky and high-pitched profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch boasts a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deep and satisfying "thud" upon activation. While the Aniya leans towards a more audible and pronounced sound, the Smoothie offers a more subdued and mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference in sound profile, with the Aniya providing a livelier auditory experience and the Smoothie offering a more calming and subdued typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is celebrated for its creamy and silky typing experience, with a remarkably smooth feel attributed to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a buttery sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes and a pleasant typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch also provides a buttery and silky feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances typing efficiency. Both switches offer a polished and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek key travel experience. Ultimately, whether choosing the Aniya or the Smoothie, users can expect a luxurious and smooth typing feel that enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Aniya provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and silky typing experience, the Smoothie offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a buttery and silky feel. Both switches promise a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a premium mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, with both switches delivering exceptional quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation and smooth feel, the Aniya may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound signature with remarkable smoothness and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie could be the ideal switch for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal sound and feel preferences when typing.
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