PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Twilight present two enticing options, each catering to different preferences. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its harmonious sound profile that strikes an ideal balance between clarity and comfort, offering a pronounced yet pleasant auditory experience without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Aniya’s use of Ly as the stem material contributes to its remarkably smooth keystrokes and a medium-light actuation that enhances overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, the HMX Twilight is designed for those who appreciate an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter operation while still embodying the signature clacky characteristics that fans of HMX switches adore. While the Aniya leans towards a more clacky and creamy feel, the Twilight offers a subtler auditory experience with its slightly quieter performance. Both switches cater to unique preferences in sound and tactile feedback, making them appealing choices for different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in both the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Twilight switches exhibit distinct qualities that shape the acoustic and tactile experiences of their users. The Aniya’s top and bottom housings are crafted from POM (polyoxymethylene), a material known for producing a unique sound profile characterized by deeper and more muted acoustics. This results in a smooth typing experience, where the sound produced is rounded and less sharp, allowing for a subtler feedback when keys are pressed. This muted characteristic of POM creates an intimate typing environment that many users find enjoyable, particularly during prolonged typing sessions.
In contrast, the HMX Twilight switches employ nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon is celebrated for its classic application in switch construction, and it contributes a sound profile that is also deeper and fuller, much like that of the Aniya. However, the key difference lies in the material's properties: nylon is softer than POM and effectively absorbs more sound, which results in a more rounded and duller auditory feedback when typing. As such, when users engage with the Twilight switches, they experience a sound that, while similarly deep, might feel a touch warmer and cushier compared to the crisp and slightly more resonant qualities of the POM used in the Aniya.
Despite these differences in housing materials, both switches achieve similar acoustic outcomes in terms of depth and fullness of sound. The manner in which their top and bottom housings influence the overall typing experience reveals an intriguing interplay between the materials. For instance, while the POM housing in the Aniya contributes more to the initial sound and feel upon key press, the nylon housing in the Twilight facilitates a significant absorption of sound, leading to smoother key actuation overall. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference, as both deliver a satisfying typing experience grounded in their respective material properties.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch exhibit identical specifications in both actuation and bottom out forces, with both switches requiring 42 grams of force to actuate and reaching a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance from both switches, ensuring a light typing experience suitable for extended use, whether for work or gaming sessions. Since their actuation and bottom out forces are equal, those who prefer a lighter switch feel will find both options equally appealing without significant distinction in their performance or overall feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is 3.2 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This indicates that the Aniya switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers seeking efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Twilight switch, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, as it offers a more traditional experience closer to the 4.0 mm standard. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Aniya would be the better choice, whereas the Twilight would be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
The sound profile of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is characterized by a harmonious clacky quality. While it is pronounced enough to be noticeable, it avoids being excessively loud, facilitating a pleasant auditory experience. The sound can be described as crisp and bright, providing an engaging auditory feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is quieter due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, yet it retains similar clacky characteristics. This combination suggests a more reserved auditory experience compared to the Aniya, possibly making it a better choice for users seeking a subtler typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch is renowned for its smoothness, offering a creamy and polished typing experience. The use of Ly as the stem material ensures that each keystroke feels silky and refined, allowing for fluid typing without resistance. The combination of creamy, polished, and silky descriptors illustrates a well-engineered switch that enhances typing comfort significantly. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Twilight switch remains unknown, which leaves a gap in comparing the tactile experience between these two options.
In summary, while the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is celebrated for its clacky sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch offers a quieter variant with similar clacky characteristics but lacks detailed information on its tactile feedback. If you prioritize sound, the Aniya provides a more pronounced auditory experience, whereas the Twilight leans towards a subtler approach. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound volume and tactile sensation, but both options promise a satisfying typing experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your choice should be guided by your preferences for sound and feel, as well as your typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced and clacky auditory experience while typing—one that is both smooth and enjoyable—the Aniya is definitely the way to go. Its light actuation force and smooth stem material make every keystroke feel effortless, perfect for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter operation with an extended travel distance while still enjoying a clacky sound profile, the Twilight is likely to suit you better. Its slightly more subdued auditory feedback may be ideal for work environments or gaming sessions where discretion is preferred. Ultimately, both switches offer a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them great choices for those who favor a lighter touch, but your individual preference for sound and tactile experience will guide you to the most suitable option for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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