PH Studio Aniya vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Aniya, known for its harmonious clacky sound profile and smooth feel, provides a medium-light actuation making it a delight to type on. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile and bouncy feel from the lengthened single-stage spring. While the Aniya offers a more pronounced clacky sound, the Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery and easy-to-press typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Aniya's POM housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile is due to the inherent characteristics of the materials used, with POM being softer and polycarbonate being stiffer. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visual element to its functional benefits.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aniya and the Tourmaline Blue serve similar functions in providing structural support to the switch, they also play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the key presses. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya contributes to its deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue creates a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches influences the sound when a key is released, with POM producing a more pleasing and unique sound compared to the sharpness of polycarbonate. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced sound profile that varies depending on the direction of key press.
Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials for switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Aniya and the Tourmaline Blue offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, they both excel in providing quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing or gaming experience. Whether you prefer the deep and muted tones of POM or the sharp and crisp feedback of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. In essence, while the housing materials may differ, the end result is a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more tactile and sturdy typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Aniya switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya's shorter distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Tourmaline Blue's longer distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a shorter travel distance, the Aniya may be the better option, but if you prefer a longer travel distance, the Tourmaline Blue could be the more suitable choice.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
Overall, when comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some key differences in sound and feel. The Aniya switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a more pronounced and sharp typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound, creating a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. The Aniya switch has a creamy and polished feel, giving a smooth and buttery typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery and easy-to-press, offering a seamless and low-impact typing feel. Despite these differences, both switches aim to strike a balance in their sound and feel profiles, providing enjoyable typing experiences for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches offer quality and satisfaction in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a smooth and medium-light actuation, the Aniya would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and a standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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