PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard, the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX SU both stand out as intriguing options, despite being linear switches. The Aniya, manufactured by BSUN, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile which leans towards a clacky tone that is both pleasant and engaging—offering a unique auditory experience that isn't overwhelmingly loud. With a medium-light actuation and a silky feel thanks to its Ly stem material, typing on the Aniya is designed to be a delightful experience, making it a great option for those who appreciate both sound and touch. On the other hand, the HMX SU features a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem, delivering a more subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. While it may lack some of the auditory flair of the Aniya, the SU offers its own charms through more understated acoustics, catering to users who prefer a quieter environment. Both switches appeal to different sensibilities—whether you crave the clack of the Aniya or the subdued nature of the SU. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX SU exhibit both similarities and differences that shape their respective sound profiles. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a pleasing and unique sound characterized by a deeper and more muted quality. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, while also capable of yielding a deeper sound, is classified as a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like POM. This inherent quality contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile for the SU. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to similar sound characteristics, allowing users to appreciate a rich auditory experience when typing.
When examining the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, the relationship between the top and bottom housings becomes crucial. In the case of the Aniya, the POM’s unique sound characteristics enhance both the bottom-out sound and the acoustics of releasing a key. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its nylon composition, exhibits a blend of sound qualities inherited from both top and bottom housings. The softer nature of nylon helps to ensure that the bottom-out feel remains resonant while also providing a sound that is enriched in depth. Therefore, even though the Aniya and HMX SU utilize different materials, they can both achieve a similarly pleasing deeper sound profile through the strategic design of their housing materials.
In essence, the differences between the POM and nylon housing materials lie in their structural properties, which influence how sound is produced and perceived when typing. While the Aniya's use of POM lends itself to a specific sound character that is distinct, the nylon used in the HMX SU offers a classic sound known for depth and resonance. Ultimately, both designs aim to elevate the user’s typing experience by leveraging the unique qualities of their respective materials, whether through the muted acoustics of POM or the fuller sound produced by nylon. Thus, the two keyboards cater to similar auditory preferences, albeit through differing avenues of material choice.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both exhibit light actuation forces, with the Aniya requiring 42 grams to activate a keystroke and the SU needing slightly more at 45 grams. This difference in actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming, as the Aniya offers a slightly easier keystroke activation. However, both switches feature the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of which switch is pressed all the way down, they share the same resistance at that level. As a result, for those who prioritize a lighter feel for extended periods of typing or gaming, the Aniya may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. In contrast, the HMX SU's slightly higher actuation force might attract those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, making it a suitable option for users looking for a heavier typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Aniya is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's clear that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the SU features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference in travel distance suggests different tactile experiences; the Aniya may offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prioritize quick key presses, while the SU might provide a more substantial depth that some users prefer for a more tactile feedback. If you're inclined towards faster response times, the Aniya would be the optimal choice, whereas those who enjoy a greater depth might lean towards the HMX SU. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either rapid responsiveness or a more pronounced key press experience.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 its clacky and high-pitched auditory profile, striking a balance that is both pronounced and pleasant. The auditory experience is crisp and bright, evoking a sharp and snappy response without being excessively loud, which can be appealing to both gamers and typists looking for that satisfying keystroke feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a deeper sound profile that is much more subtle. While specific descriptors for the SU's sound are not provided, it tends to be relatively muted in comparison to the Aniya, potentially catering to those who prefer a more understated auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sonic characteristics.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Aniya stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, often described with terms such as creamy, polished, and silky. The materials used, particularly the Ly stem and likely factory lubrication, contribute to a luxurious keystroke that offers minimal resistance and a refined typing experience. This smoothness not only enhances comfort but also improves typing speed. Unfortunately, the HMX SU linear switch does not have detailed information available about its feel, leaving uncertainty for those who prioritize tactile feedback and typing comfort in their selection process. Without explicit descriptors, one can only speculate on its smoothness and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch offers a harmonious balance between an audible yet pleasing sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. While the HMX SU linear switch is characterized by its subtle, deeper sound profile, its tactile qualities remain unknown, leaving a gap for those seeking a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, if you lean towards a lively auditory feedback and a silky touch, the Aniya is likely your best bet, while the SU may appeal to users who prefer a quieter and potentially different touch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you enjoy a typing experience that combines a relatively light actuation with a pleasant auditory profile, the Aniya might be your best choice. Its clacky sound provides a satisfying feedback that’s crisp and bright yet not overwhelmingly loud, while the creamy and polished characteristics ensure a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a delightful auditory and tactile sensation but prefer a switch that isn’t excessively loud. On the other hand, if you lean towards a subtly deeper sound and a more pronounced linear feel without the additional auditory excitement, the HMX SU is likely a better match. With its PA12 housing and T5 stem design, it prioritizes a more straightforward linear experience, allowing you to type without the distraction of additional sound while still enjoying a comfortable feel. Overall, consider what aspects matter most to you in terms of auditory enjoyment and tactile feedback when making your choice between these two appealing switches.
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