PH Studio Aniya vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its balanced sound profile and smooth feel with a medium-light actuation, offers a pleasant auditory experience with a more clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch boasts an innovative use of POK material for a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences - whether you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound or a deeper, thocky sound. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Dareu Snow offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, providing a pleasing and unique sound that is deep and relatively muted. On the other hand, the Snow features POK for its top housing, offering a smooth and clacky feel, with exceptional durability and wear resistance. In terms of sound profile, the POK material on the Snow creates a slightly smoother and clackier sound compared to the deeper sound of POM on the Aniya.
While the top housing materials of the Aniya and the Snow are different, with the Aniya using POM and the Snow using POK, the bottom housing materials also vary between the two switches. The Aniya's POM bottom housing continues to contribute to its unique deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Snow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. These differences in bottom housing materials further distinguish the sound profiles of the Aniya and the Snow switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Aniya and the Snow switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While the POM material in the Aniya produces a deeper sound profile, the POK and nylon materials in the Snow create a smoother and clackier sound. Additionally, the durability and wear resistance of POK in the Snow make it a top choice for those looking for a long-lasting switch option. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch both have relatively low actuation forces, with the Aniya being the lighter of the two at 42 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Aniya requires 50 grams of force while the Snow needs 60 grams, making the Snow the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time may lean towards the Aniya, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Snow. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter side of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, with the Snow being slightly longer than the Aniya. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Aniya, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Snow. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, providing a quicker typing experience overall.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to those who enjoy a crisp and sharp typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature, possibly providing a more satisfying thocky sound when typing. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, with the Aniya leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound, while the Snow offering a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch is praised for its remarkably smooth sensation due to the use of Ly as the stem material, providing a creamy and polished typing experience. This switch is described as offering a buttery feel with minimal friction, making keystrokes effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is characterized as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that may appeal to users who prefer a more lively keypress sensation. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Aniya focusing on smoothness and the Snow offering a bouncier feel.
Overall, both the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aniya provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, while the Snow switch delivers a deeper sound and a bouncy keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, with users likely to get similar results in terms of quality construction and performance regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth feel and light actuation, the Aniya switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper thocky sound signature with a bouncy and lively feel, the Snow switch could be more suitable for your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of sound and feel you find most satisfying when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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