PH Studio Aniya vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between the feel and sound of the switch. The PH Studio Aniya, a linear switch manufactured by BSUN, is celebrated for its smooth and polished keystroke experience. It strikes a harmonious balance in sound, leaning towards a more pronounced clacky sound profile—this makes it ideal for users who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback without the overwhelming noise. The Lycra stem material contributes to its silky-smooth actuation, making it a pleasure to type on, especially for those who favor fluid key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a tactile experience that appeals to typists looking for more feedback with each keystroke. Its subtle yet noticeable tactile bump provides a sense of engagement, making it easier to navigate between keys without bottoming out. Additionally, its balanced sound profile further enhances the typing experience, appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback without excessive noise. While both switches cater to different preferences—smoothness versus tactile feedback—they each offer their own unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Aniya Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Gateron Weightlessness, it becomes evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings yet produce a similar auditory experience. The Aniya features a top and bottom housing made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), while the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. The POM material used in the Aniya is known for generating deep, muted sounds, and it largely contributes to creating a satisfying typing experience. Meanwhile, the nylon in the Weightlessness is described as a classic choice in switch manufacturing, producing a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer nature. This discrepancy in materials might suggest different tactile experiences; however, both are effective in achieving a similar sound profile characterized by muted and rounded tones.

When considering the impact of these materials on sound characteristics, it’s important to note that while the Aniya's POM contributes a unique acoustic quality, the nylon of the Weightlessness achieves comparable results due to its inherent properties. Both materials absorb sound rather than reflect it, leading to a more muted auditory experience. While there is a fundamental difference in the materials used, both result in a similar effect: a deeper sound profile where users experience sound more as a pleasurable thud than an echoing click. Thus, the finer points of material differences may not substantially alter the overall typing experience, as both switch types excel in providing a softer auditory feedback.

Further analysis reveals that the way in which these materials interact with the user’s touch also plays a critical role in the overall tactile sensation. In the case of the Aniya, the POM's characteristics lend towards a certain pleasant feel when typing, which can be split between the effects of the top and bottom housings. Conversely, the nylon of the Weightlessness offers a tactile experience that may be perceived as softer or more rounded due to its stress absorption and deformation qualities. Users pressing down on these switches would predominantly feel the effects of the bottom housing, particularly in terms of bottom-out feel and sound, while letting go would amplify the sound characteristics influenced by the top housing. Ultimately, despite the contrasting materials, both switch designs successfully share a cohesive auditory and tactile experience, making them suitable choices for users seeking a satisfying typing sensation.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press down, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unavailable, making a direct comparison difficult in that regard. On the other hand, the Aniya switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it offers a consistent resistance when fully pressed. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for comfort during long usage might lean towards the Aniya, while users looking for a stronger push feel may find the Weightlessness more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a clear distinction: the Aniya switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Weightlessness features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference suggests that the Aniya switch may provide a more responsive experience, which is advantageous for gamers who seek quicker key presses. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced and deliberate feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper key engagement during typing. In essence, if one values speed and responsiveness, the Aniya switch would be the preferable choice; however, for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, the Weightlessness switch is the better suited option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch boasts a distinctly clacky profile, leaning towards a bright and percussive auditory experience. This makes the Aniya particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound but ensures it remains within a comfortable volume range. The use of high-pitched elements gives it a sharpness that some users find satisfying, creating a lively ambiance during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have a balanced auditory profile, but unfortunately, further specifics on its sound characteristics are not provided. Therefore, while the Aniya delivers a vibrant sound, the Weightlessness may still offer a pleasant auditory environment without additional details to compare directly.

In terms of feel, the Aniya switches excel with their exceptionally smooth texture, described using descriptors like creamy, polished, and silky. This high-quality tactile experience is attributed to the stem material and likely factory lubrication, resulting in minimal friction and a highly desirable keystroke sensation. The "medium-light" actuation further contributes to ease of use, making long typing sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, the specifics of the feel associated with the Gateron Weightlessness switches are unknown; thus, any comparison is challenging. However, given the Aniya's commendable feel, it's likely that either switch could deliver a satisfying typing experience, depending on user preference.

In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya switch stands out with its clacky sound profile and smooth, buttery feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging typing experience. The Gateron Weightlessness has a more balanced sound profile but lacks detailed descriptions of its feel, leaving some of its subjective qualities unknown. For users, the combination of sound and feel in the Aniya would likely lead to a more dynamic engagement with their keyboard, while the Weightlessness could still provide a pleasant experience, albeit with less information to guide potential users. Ultimately, the choice may come down to individual preferences, where either option could yield positive results under the right conditions.

Conclusion

In closing, the choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smoother typing experience with a pleasant auditory profile, the Aniya would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a touch of clackiness in your keystrokes. The 50-gram bottom-out force feels light, making it well-suited for fast-paced typing or gaming, ensuring that every keystroke is satisfying and effortless. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that is subtle to moderate while typing, the Gateron Weightlessness switches may be your ideal pick, offering a more traditional typing feel without the pronounced sounds found in the Aniya. While sound representation for the Weightlessness is not provided, their balanced characteristics make them versatile for both typing and casual use. Ultimately, consider how you prioritize sound and feel in your typing experience to make the best selection for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Aniya Linear

$4.50

$4.20 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more