PH Studio Aniya vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Strawberry Latte both offer unique experiences, particularly within the realm of linear switches. The Aniya is celebrated for its intricate balance of auditory feedback, delivering a clacky yet smooth sound profile that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. The use of Ly as the stem material endows it with a silky touch and a medium-light actuation that many typists find delightful. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its super smooth keystrokes and a balanced sound profile that avoids extremes, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer subtle yet satisfying feedback. While the Aniya’s clackiness provides a dynamic feel that can invigorate typing, the Strawberry Latte’s smoothness is ideal for a more focused and undistracted typing environment. So, each switch caters to different preferences: the Aniya for a richer auditory experience and the Strawberry Latte for effortless, seamless inputs. 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
45g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches incorporate distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aniya utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted character. This uniformity in material choice leads to a cohesive auditory experience, as both housings share similar acoustic properties. The smooth feel and consistent sound signature delivered by the POM housing contribute to the overall enjoyment of typing, as users can expect a harmonious blend of deep tones throughout the keypress action.
In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte pairs a POK top housing with a nylon bottom housing. The POK material is particularly lauded for its smoothness and high durability, featuring a lower coefficient of friction compared to POM, which translates to a swift and responsive typing experience. This top housing accentuates the switch’s clackiness due to POK's enhanced shock resistance and wear durability. Coupled with a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound and softens it into a deeper, fuller profile, the Strawberry Latte presents a more complex auditory and tactile outcome, blending the crisp feedback of the POK with the mellow, cushioned response of nylon.
While the housing materials of the Aniya and Strawberry Latte differ, they are both designed to deliver satisfying performance that caters to different user preferences. The Aniya’s consistent POM composition offers a smoother yet muted typing experience, which could appeal to those who enjoy a considerate approach to sound. Conversely, the combination of POK and nylon in the Strawberry Latte yields a switch that offers a broader range of sound dynamics, providing a snappier response along with a softer landing. Despite their differences, both switches can create a satisfying experience if users appreciate the deeper and more muted acoustic qualities that POM and nylon provide, ensuring that each switch serves its intended purpose effectively.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ in terms of weight. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte is overall lighter than the Aniya, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced fatigue is desirable. Conversely, the slightly heavier Aniya may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Both switches deliver a relatively gentle typing experience, but those seeking an even lighter touch would benefit from the Strawberry Latte's lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Aniya provides a shorter, more responsive feel, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prioritize quick response times. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a fuller tactile experience when pressing keys. Therefore, if you value rapid actuation, the Aniya is the better option, whereas the Strawberry Latte caters to those who appreciate a bit more travel before bottoming out. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 distinctly clacky and high-pitched auditory profile. This creates a crisp and bright typing experience that can be perceived as both engaging and immersive, as each keystroke produces a sharp sound. While certainly audible, they do not overwhelm the user, providing a balanced auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a similarly balanced sound profile, which is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This suggests that, while the specific sound qualities may vary slightly, both switches strike a pleasant auditory balance that avoids harshness and maintains a satisfying acoustic presence.
When considering the feel of the two switches, the Aniya stands out for its creamy, polished, and silky characteristics that culminate in a remarkably smooth typing experience. Factory lubrication and carefully chosen materials contribute to an effortless glide during key presses, enhancing the overall tactile delight. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches are absent, making it difficult to compare their tactile qualities directly. However, since both switches are designed for smooth operation, one might expect that the Strawberry Latte would provide a similarly enjoyable typing experience, but this remains uncertain.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Aniya and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches both deliver balanced sound profiles, the Aniya excels in providing a thoroughly smooth tactile experience. Without concrete details on the Strawberry Latte's feel, it's challenging to draw definitive comparisons on that front. Nevertheless, those in search of satisfying auditory and tactile results can anticipate decent performance from both switches, particularly if they value a harmonious sound experience in their setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile experience. If you appreciate a slightly higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that enhances auditory feedback while typing, the Aniya is the right fit for you. Its smooth feel complemented by a medium-light actuation force makes it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that leans towards an ultra-smooth feel without a pronounced sound profile, then the Strawberry Latte is your best option. With a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, it provides a more subdued acoustic environment while maintaining a silky typing experience. Overall, consider what aspects resonate more with you for your keyboard setup, be it the audible engagement of the Aniya or the serene, buttery experience offered by the Strawberry Latte.
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