PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each type brings its own unique flavor to the typing experience, and the PH Studio Aniya and HMX Vintage Citrus are no exceptions. The Aniya, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile that leans towards a pronounced clack without being overly intrusive, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Its use of Ly as the stem material contributes to its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, perfect for both sustained typing sessions and casual gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch caters to gamers with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, designed for rapid inputs, and a bright, clacky sound profile that enhances the excitement of fast-paced gameplay. While both switches offer smooth tactile experiences, the Aniya provides a more polished auditory environment, whereas the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and responsiveness. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Vintage Citrus both utilize different materials for their top and bottom switch housings, yet they share a similar auditory characteristic that results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. The Aniya employs POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for its unique acoustic properties that create a pleasing sound. This material's strength lies in its ability to produce a sound that is full yet understated, highlighting a character that many typists find desirable. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus opts for nylon, a classic choice that similarly elicits a rich and full sound profile. Though both materials are distinct, they achieve comparable outcomes in terms of auditory experience due to their softer nature which helps in sound absorption, resulting in a muted audio output.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, the Aniya again features POM, while the Vintage Citrus uses nylon. As both materials are soft plastics, their influence on the bottom-out sound and feel creates a similar depth in auditory feedback. The POM bottom housing of the Aniya continues the theme of delivering a satisfying yet muted sound, while the nylon in the Vintage Citrus contributes similarly by absorbing sound and thus producing a rounded tone. This split material composition means that while the top and bottom of each switch may feel different, the overall auditory profile remains consistent, ensuring that typists can expect a rich sound experience regardless of which switch they choose.
In summary, while the PH Studio Aniya and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize different housing materials—POM and nylon, respectively—the end result remains strikingly similar. Both switches provide a unique typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. Despite their varied compositions, the sound profiles converge at the point of user experience; the key action differs slightly due to the dissimilarities in tactile feedback, but the overall sound envelopes the typist in a satisfying auditory environment. Ultimately, users can rest assured that choosing either switch will yield a gratifying experience rooted in substantial sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a robust typing experience. Therefore, while the Aniya is the lighter option overall, the Vintage Citrus offers a firmer push with its medium-light resistance. If users favor lighter switches for comfort over long periods, the Aniya would be the more suitable choice, while those seeking a stronger feel might lean towards the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This indicates that the Aniya switch offers just a slightly deeper press compared to the Vintage Citrus. In the context of overall feel, the Aniya switch might provide a more substantial experience for those who appreciate a bit of depth in their key presses, whereas the Vintage Citrus could appeal to users seeking a quicker, more responsive action, especially suited for gaming. With the Aniya being 0.2 mm longer than the Vintage Citrus, it accommodates those who prefer a balance between feedback and speed, while the Vintage Citrus aligns with the trend towards shallower distances favored by some gamers for its rapid response.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Aniya distinctly stands out with its pronounced clacky sound, though it remains balanced and not overly loud. Its auditory experience tends toward a clean and sharp tone, making it crisp and engaging without being jarring. The Aniya's sound falls into a more defined realm of brightness, accentuating its clackiness, while the Vintage Citrus's exact sound qualities are not specified; it may also adopt a similar clacky profile, potentially providing a satisfying auditory experience as well. However, without explicit details, one cannot definitively conclude how the sound may compare.
In terms of feel, the Aniya excels in delivering a remarkably smooth typing experience, characterized as creamy, polished, and silky. This results in a delightful tactile feedback with each keystroke, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The medium-light actuation force of the Aniya switch heightens this sensation, ensuring a satisfying engagement with each press. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is engineered for speed with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which suggests quick responsiveness ideal for gaming but lacks specific descriptors about its smoothness. Consequently, while the Vintage Citrus might excel in rapid input scenarios, it is unclear if it matches the silky feel of the Aniya.
Overall, the PH Studio Aniya and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches each offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, with the Aniya leaning towards a refined sound and luxurious feel, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate expressive and enjoyable typing. While the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for speed and potentially shares a clacky sound profile, its feel is less defined in terms of smoothness. Depending on personal preferences, one might lean towards the Aniya for a more pleasurable typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus could suit those focused purely on performance with rapid actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience along with a pleasantly pronounced clacky sound, the Aniya switch may be your ideal choice. It's particularly suitable for typists who appreciate an auditory feedback without overpowering noise and enjoy a lighter actuation force that still requires a bit of pressure—making it great for general typing and casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer who thrives on rapid inputs, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for you. With its exceptionally low actuation distance and bright, clacky sound, it provides the responsiveness needed for fast-paced gameplay, allowing for quick keystrokes with minimal effort. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you're seeking a delightful everyday typing experience or a specialized switch that enhances your gaming prowess.
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