PH Studio Aniya vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aniya switch is praised for its smooth feel and medium-light actuation, producing a clacky sound profile that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience with a medium-light actuation force, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. While both switches offer a harmonious balance of features, such as responsiveness and comfort, they differ in sound profile and materials used. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both offer unique sound profiles, with the POM housing of the Aniya providing a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Nylon housing of the WS Brown, which produces a fuller and rounder sound. While both materials create pleasing sounds, the POM housing of the Aniya may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper sound profile, while the Nylon housing of the WS Brown might be favored by those who enjoy a fuller sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the POM and Nylon materials offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile, with the POM bottom housing of the Aniya and the Nylon bottom housing of the WS Brown both contributing to a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of these materials allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing materials suggests that users can expect a consistent sound profile regardless of which switch they choose, offering a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch, it becomes apparent that each component plays a crucial role in the user experience. The bottom housing’s impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, while the top housing influences the sound when lifting a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both housing materials in creating a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience, with the unique qualities of the POM and Nylon materials coming together to produce satisfying sound profiles in both the Aniya and WS Brown switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Aniya is the lighter of the two. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Brown has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Aniya provides a light typing experience with a relatively low actuation force and bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Aniya has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Brown. The Aniya's 3.2 mm travel distance would provide a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the WS Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 is known for its clacky and slightly high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a familiar and delightful sound due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination, although specific descriptors are not available. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing sound, with the Aniya leaning towards a more pronounced clacky profile while the WS Brown offers a balance of familiarity and innovation.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya linear switch is described as creamy and smooth, offering a buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. This is achieved through the use of Ly as the stem material, adding to the smooth sensation of each keystroke. In contrast, details about the tactile feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch are not provided, so direct comparisons in feel cannot be made. Overall, both switches strive for a smooth typing experience, with the Aniya emphasizing a creamy feel and the WS Brown likely providing a refined tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aniya excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the WS Brown likely offers a familiar and responsive typing feel with a delightful sound. As a newcomer, selecting either switch would result in a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard typing experience, whether you prefer the pronounced clackiness of the Aniya or the balance of familiarity and innovation of the WS Brown.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and delightful typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The harmonious balance of sound profile and the smooth feel of the Aniya switch make every keystroke enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a pleasant auditory experience and fatigue-free typing during extended sessions, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, ensuring responsiveness and comfort. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound profile, actuation force, and typing experience.
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