PH Studio Aniya vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch both offer unique features worth considering. The Aniya linear switch, known for its clacky and creamy sound profile, provides a smooth typing experience with medium-light actuation. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, coupled with a pronounced tactility that adds character to each keystroke. While the Aniya leans towards a higher-pitched sound, the Viola Tricolor brings a more bassy and invigorating feel to typing. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Aniya features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience that the Aniya may lack.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Aniya continues to use POM, maintaining its deep and pleasing sound profile. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The use of nylon as a softer plastic in the Viola Tricolor allows for more sound absorption, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials demonstrates how even subtle differences in housing materials can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Overall, the combination of POM and nylon in the Aniya and the polycarbonate and nylon in the Viola Tricolor showcase how housing materials can influence sound profiles in keyboard switches. While the Aniya offers a more muted and deeper sound profile with its POM housing, the Viola Tricolor provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate housing. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and typing experience. However, if one were to switch either the top or bottom housing material of one switch to match the other, they may achieve similar results in sound profiles, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in keyboard switches.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for those looking for a light and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. While the actuation force for the Viola Tricolor is not specified, the difference in the bottom out force indicates that it requires a stronger push compared to the Aniya. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Viola Tricolor, while those seeking a lighter touch may find the Aniya more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aniya. Generally, a shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, which is favored by gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of responsiveness desired.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 it comes to sound, the Aniya linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds character to the typing experience, striking a balance between depth and richness without becoming too overpowering. While the sound profiles of these two switches differ in terms of pitch and tone, both options are designed to offer an enjoyable and immersive typing experience based on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
In the realm of feel, the Aniya linear switch stands out for its creamy and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation that feels like gliding across the keys effortlessly. With a medium-light actuation, each keypress on the Aniya switch guarantees a delightful and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented tactile experience, striking a balance between pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force to enhance the typing sensation without being overwhelming. Both switches aim to provide a tactile feel that enhances the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for typing feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya switch leans towards a clacky and smooth profile with a medium-light actuation, the Viola Tricolor switch provides a punchy and tactile experience with a balanced feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard setup to their liking. Whether seeking a harmonious sound profile and creamy feel or a characterful sound and invigorating tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate the typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose, you should opt for the PH Studio Aniya linear switch if you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a harmoniously balanced sound profile with a more pronounced clacky sound. The Aniya's smooth feel and medium-light actuation make it a delightful option for a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and desire a switch with a thuddy and punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Viola Tricolor's pronounced tactility and balance provide a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, making it a perfect fit for those who crave a sharp sensation without overwhelming feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in sound and feel, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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