PH Studio Aniya vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Aniya, known for its balanced sound profile with a pronounced clacky sound, provides a smooth feel and medium-light actuation for a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T stands out with its thocky sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, offering a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. While the Aniya leans towards a more polished and resonant feel, the U4T excels in its bassy thockiness. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences based on sound and tactile feedback. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gazzew U4T exhibit some similarities and differences. Both the Aniya's POM housing and the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend housing are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile with a deep and rich tone. However, the POM housing of the Aniya is described as relatively more muted compared to the softness of the Gazzew blend housing. This difference in sound profile can affect the overall typing experience and preference for users.
In terms of the top housing, the POM top housing of the Aniya and the proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T both contribute to the sound profile of the switches when a key is let go. The POM top housing of the Aniya creates a deeper sound profile, while the Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep tone due to its softness. These differences in sound characteristics might appeal to users with varying preferences in typing sound and feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Aniya and the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches when pressing down on a key. While both housing materials contribute to a unique sound profile, the softness of the Gazzew blend bottom housing may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Aniya. Overall, the choice between these housing materials may depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the Aniya is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the U4T is the heavier option with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Aniya provides a smoother and easier typing experience due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the U4T offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, giving typists a stronger push feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Aniya being better suited for longer typing sessions and the U4T offering a more tactile and firm typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is ideal for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the U4T provides a more pronounced key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches have their advantages based on personal preference, with the Aniya being the shorter option and the U4T being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile, leaning towards a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound profile, offering a deep and rich sound during key presses. While the Aniya is more on the pronounced and snappy side, the U4T delivers a more satisfying and bass-heavy sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound output.
Moving on to the feel, the Aniya switch boasts a remarkably smooth feel, described as creamy and silky, providing a buttery typing experience that ensures each keystroke is effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, offering a high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with every keypress. The Aniya focuses more on a smooth and refined typing experience, while the U4T prioritizes a strong and crisp tactile feedback for tactile enthusiasts. Both switches excel in delivering unique tactile sensations that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aniya leans towards a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and silky smooth feel, while the U4T provides a bassy 'thock' sound and a sharp tactile bump for tactile enthusiasts. Depending on one's preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a delightful typing experience that will surely satisfy keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the factors of sound profile and tactile feedback. If you prefer a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation and smooth feel, the Aniya linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy 'thock' sound profile with sharp tactile feedback, the U4T tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of auditory and tactile experience you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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