PH Studio Aniya vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves evaluating the nuances between different options to enhance their typing or gaming experience. The PH Studio Aniya, a linear switch, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, combining a soft clack with a polished and creamy feel that ensures a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud. Crafted from Ly material, the Aniya features a medium-light actuation force, making it a favorite for those who prioritize a smooth and satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl offers a uniquely innovative design thanks to its incorporation of ball-bearings that significantly minimize friction during keystrokes, resulting in an ultra-smooth typing experience. With a medium-high pitched sound signature, the WS Pearl provides an appealing auditory feedback that further enhances its overall performance. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, they present distinct tactile and auditory experiences that can influence your choice. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and Wuque Studio WS Pearl both possess unique acoustic qualities, attributed to their differing housing materials. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which are specifically designed to create an incredibly pleasing and distinctive sound profile. Characteristically, this profile leans towards a deeper and more muted tone, allowing for a sound that can be quite satisfying, particularly when typing. On the other hand, the WS Pearl employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer material, also leads to a deeper and fuller sound. However, it introduces a slightly different acoustic experience due to its inherent properties, which absorb more sound compared to the harder POM material.
When comparing the overall acoustic dynamics, both the Aniya and WS Pearl share a surprisingly similar foundation for sound development despite their differing materials. The housing type significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing down on keys. The softer nylon used in the WS Pearl and the durable POM of the Aniya both lend a pleasing acoustic quality as they muffle higher frequencies, creating a rounded sound. This means that while the materials differ, the result is a comparable auditory experience, which is subdued, rich, and enjoyable. Users may notice that switching between the two, although bringing about a variation in material feel, still manages to create an inviting typing experience.
In terms of the overall experience during use, both models are designed to reach similar acoustic outcomes through their respective materials. The POM in the Aniya complements the absorption qualities of the nylon in the WS Pearl by providing texture and sound dampening at different points in the keystroke. Specifically, the nylon may lend a softer feel at the top while facilitating a smooth pressing action, while the POM will offer a sturdier bottom-out experience. Therefore, regardless of the subtle differences in tactile and sound production between the two, users can expect a satisfying performance with both switches, showcasing how material choice can influence sound yet still deliver parallel results in functionality.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force, making them suited to different typing preferences. The Aniya switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option which can aid in longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but a bottom out force of 58 grams, presenting a medium push feel that might offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger feedback. While the actuation force of the Aniya is heavier than that of the WS Pearl, its bottom out force is lighter than the Pearl’s. Consequently, the Aniya switch is overall heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the WS Pearl excels in providing an easier actuation yet a firmer bottom out sensation. Overall, these differences mean that typists looking for a lighter touch may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while those desiring more resistance might prefer the Aniya.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the Aniya features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, whereas the WS Pearl has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm makes the Aniya the shorter option, which can provide a snappier and more responsive feel, appealing to gamers or users who value quick keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Pearl's longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, catering to those who prefer a deeper engagement with each keypress. While both switches offer their unique advantages depending on user preference, the Aniya's shorter travel distance is ideal for those seeking rapid response times, while the WS Pearl may be better suited for users who favor a more substantial 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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched acoustic signature. It produces a crisp and bright auditory experience, striking a balance that keeps it both engaging and not overly loud, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. The Aniya’s sound profile is described as marbly and resonant, adding to the overall crispness that enhances typing enjoyment. In contrast, the WS Pearl linear switch’s sound characteristics remain somewhat unspecified. However, any potential auditory experience is likely to be distinct, and if it follows suit with its smooth keystroke feel, it could lean more towards a subtle emphasis on less intrusive sounds, which often aligns with the preference of users looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aniya switch impresses with its remarkably smooth operation, attributed to the Ly stem material that provides a creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation. This manufacturing choice aims to elevate the user experience by allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys, reducing resistance and ensuring a delightful keystroke engagement. However, the feel of the WS Pearl switch is notably enhanced by ball-bearings that reduce friction, offering a distinctly smooth experience as well. While the specific descriptors for the Pearl's tactile feedback are not provided, the introduction of ball bearings suggests a superior level of smoothness, perhaps comparable to the Aniya’s creamy feel but possibly even more refined in terms of resistance control.
In summation, both the PH Studio Aniya and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to users looking for an enjoyable typing experience but approach it from different angles. The Aniya offers an engaging auditory experience with a well-balanced sound profile and a silky smooth feel, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a crisp typing feedback. Meanwhile, while the WS Pearl’s sound profile remains less defined, its friction-reducing ball-bearing mechanism promises a unique smoothness that could rival or complement the Aniya’s sensations. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver satisfying responses, and users will find pleasure in the distinct qualities each brings to their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Aniya switch may be more suitable for you, especially if you appreciate a somewhat clacky sound that provides an engaging auditory experience without being overwhelmingly loud. With its creamy and polished feel, typing on the Aniya can be a delight, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize smooth keystrokes and an enjoyable tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a medium-bottom-out force of 58 grams, the WS Pearl could be the better choice. The incorporation of ball-bearings in this switch ensures an exceptionally smooth keystroke, providing an ultra-polished typing experience that's distinct and unique. Although the sound profile leans towards a medium-high pitch, if you're drawn to the idea of a surreal typing experience that reduces friction significantly, you may find the WS Pearl to your liking. Ultimately, understanding your typing style and sound preferences will guide you in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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