PH Studio Aniya vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its harmonious sound profile and smooth feel, offers a pleasant auditory experience with medium-light actuation. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Aniya leans towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile, the Taro offers a snappy and buttery feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, making them suitable for different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Jwick Taro offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The POM top housing of the Aniya creates a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro produces a sharper and crisper sound. This is because POM is softer, resulting in a more muted sound, whereas polycarbonate is stiffer, leading to a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Aniya and the Taro also contribute to their unique sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya creates a deeper sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Taro elicits a fuller sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. Overall, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in determining the overall sound experience of these keyboards.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Aniya and the Taro, both keyboards offer a unique sound experience depending on the material used. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for distinct qualities to be felt and heard when typing on these keyboards. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a deeper muted sound or a sharper crisper tone, both the Aniya and the Taro provide a variety of options to suit different preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force at 42 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Aniya also has a lighter pressure at 50 grams, while the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. If actuation forces are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes efficiently. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may opt for the Aniya, while users looking for a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Taro. Ultimately, the weight of the force plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Taro's 3.7 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preferences. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Aniya with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Taro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 offers a clacky and moderately high-pitched sound profile that is not excessively loud, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile, with acute and crisp clacks. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, but overall, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience from either option.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch is known for its creamy and polished sensation, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that is complemented by a medium-light actuation force. In contrast, the Taro tactile switch offers a buttery and stepped feel, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactility. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, with subtle differences in feel that cater to individual preferences.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Aniya switch leans towards a clacky sound with a creamy feel, the Taro switch provides a more neutral sound with a buttery and stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as they both offer high-quality performance and a harmonious balance of sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a medium-light actuation force and a more pronounced clacky sound profile, along with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Aniya linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy, medium-level tactile feedback with a cozy typing experience and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Taro tactile switch could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features and qualities align best with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience.
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