PH Studio Aniya vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique features and characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious sound profile with a pronounced clacky feel, medium-light actuation, and a smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a delicate tactility, perfect for work and extended typing sessions, along with vibrant RGB lighting effects for a mesmerizing visual appeal. If you prefer a more audible and clacky typing experience, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you value a subtle tactility and enjoy the option of customizable RGB lighting, the White Lotus switch could be more suitable. Now, 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the Durock White Lotus both utilize unique housing materials to create distinct sound profiles. The Aniya features POM top and bottom housings, which result in a deeper and more muted sound when typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus incorporates a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus provides a premium feel, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials.
While the Aniya and White Lotus differ in their housing materials, they both strive to create a pleasing sound profile. The POM top and bottom housings of the Aniya contribute to a unique sound that is deep and muted, providing a distinct typing experience. In comparison, the White Lotus's combination of modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a premium feel and a fuller sound profile when typing. Both switches prioritize the auditory experience by utilizing specific housing materials to enhance the overall sound quality.
In terms of construction, the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Durock White Lotus play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for distinct characteristics to be felt and heard during keystrokes. The bottom housing of each switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience through the careful selection of housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it's evident 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 White Lotus is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. The actuation force for both switches is relatively close, with the Aniya being slightly lighter. The bottom out force, however, shows a more significant difference, with the White Lotus requiring a bit more force to fully press down. This means that the Aniya switch may provide a lighter and more effortless typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the White Lotus offers a slightly more substantial feel with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Aniya offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without overwhelming the user. Depending on personal preference, the Aniya may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced and crisp sound, while the White Lotus appeals to those looking for a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aniya linear switch is praised for its creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the White Lotus tactile switch is characterized as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle, providing gentle resistance during key presses and a light typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Aniya focusing on a luxurious and buttery feel, and the White Lotus prioritizing effortless and comfortable typing.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aniya excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience, while the White Lotus prioritizes a low-pitched, neutral sound and easy-to-press, gentle resistance typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches cater to different needs and preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a crisper sound profile and a luxurious typing feel, or a quieter sound and effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aniya linear switch and the White Lotus tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light tactile switch with a delicate tactility and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a linear switch with a smooth feel and medium-light actuation force, the PH Studio Aniya switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
