PH Studio Aniya vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Tomcat offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Aniya switch, known for its delightful balance of smoothness and a clacky audio profile, delivers an auditory experience that is both pleasant and engaging. Its medium-light actuation and Ly stem material contribute to a silky feel, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch also utilizes Ly stems for a buttery-smooth operation but leans more into a resonant sound profile, creating a more subdued auditory footprint while still providing an enjoyable keystroke. Both switches excel in their own right, with the Aniya adding a bit more auditory flair and the Tomcat offering a more refined and quiet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Aniya Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The PH Studio Aniya and the Bsun Tomcat showcase a distinct contrast in their housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Aniya features a polyacetal (POM) top housing that creates a sound profile characterized by deeper tones and a muted quality. This particular material is known for its ability to produce a pleasing auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound that is higher-pitched. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences become even more pronounced. The Aniya uses a POM bottom housing, which continues the trend of delivering a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contributes to a cohesive auditory experience across the switch, maintaining the unique sound that POM provides. In comparison, the Tomcat utilizes a nylon bottom housing that is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer nature. This results in a fuller sound profile that tends to be deeper and rounder, creating a distinctly different typing feel. The combination of nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities with the polycarbonate top leads to an overall sound experience that is rich and resonant, albeit with a different tonal character than the Aniya.

Ultimately, while both switches use different materials for their housings, it's possible to achieve similar results concerning user satisfaction by understanding how each material affects sound. Although the Aniya leans towards a warmer, muted experience and the Tomcat offers sharper, clearer feedback, the influence of top and bottom housings is pivotal. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound during release. By choosing between these two options, users can select a switch that aligns with their personal auditory preferences while still enjoying the distinct tactile and auditory qualities that both types of materials can offer.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a firmer feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have similar design purposes, the Tomcat’s greater forces cater to those looking for a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, if you prioritize lightness and extended use, the Aniya is the better choice, while the Tomcat appeals to those who appreciate a heavier touch.

Travel distance

The travel distance between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch reveals distinct characteristics suited to different preferences. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Tomcat has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. For users who favor a quicker response time, the Aniya's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation, which is often sought after by gamers. Conversely, the Tomcat's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on how you balance responsiveness with key depth; selecting the Aniya will give you a snappier response while the Tomcat caters to a more traditional, robust typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch presents a harmonious balance, leaning towards a pronounced clacky profile that provides an engaging auditory experience. Its sound is characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive quality without being excessively loud. This results in a sound that is both enjoyable and unobtrusive, making it suitable for both quiet environments and a more composed typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch features a resonant sound profile, noted for its high-pitched auditory characteristics. While specific descriptions of the Tomcat's sound are less detailed, its resonance aligns well with the Aniya's crispness, suggesting a potentially similar auditory experience, though with its own unique flavor.

In terms of feel, the Aniya switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, primarily attributed to its Ly stem material. Users can expect a creamy and silky sensation as they glide their fingers across the keys, facilitated by a medium-light actuation. This smoothness translates to a joyful typing experience that is satisfying for both typing and gaming. The Tomcat switch also boasts Ly stems, which promise a super smooth feel as well. While specific descriptors for the Tomcat's tactile feedback are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume that its performance could mirror the Aniya's creamy and silky qualities, offering users a similarly pleasurable typing experience.

In summary, both the PH Studio Aniya and Bsun Tomcat linear switches appear to share foundational characteristics that cater to a smooth feel and a pronounced sound profile. The Aniya’s clacky and resonant nature provides an enjoyable auditory experience, while its creamy and silky feel enhances overall typing satisfaction. The Tomcat, while less descriptively detailed, is positioned to deliver comparable results based on its material quality and general design, making either choice a delightful addition to any mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you lean towards a lighter switch with a bottom out force of just 50 grams, and enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound that is still manageable in terms of volume, the Aniya would likely be the right choice for you. Its smooth, creamy, and silky feel makes it an excellent option for long typing sessions, enhancing your overall experience without too much auditory distraction. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer press with a bottom out force of 54 grams and appreciate a resonant sound profile that delivers smooth keystrokes without being too intrusive, the Tomcat may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches feature Ly stems that provide a consistently smooth typing experience, but the Aniya's characteristically clacky signature sets it apart for those who want a bit more acoustic feedback. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—either the delightful blend of smoothness and sound offered by the Aniya or the balanced experience provided by the Tomcat—as you make your selection.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Aniya Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more