PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it's clear that they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aniya is praised for its balanced sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being excessively loud. The smooth feel and medium-light actuation provide a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out for its softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, thanks to the use of PA12 and POM materials. While the Aniya exudes qualities like 'Creamy' and 'Marbly', the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the HMX Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing. The POM material provides a unique and pleasing sound while the polycarbonate produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Similarly, the Aniya's POM bottom housing contributes to the deeper sound profile, whereas the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. Overall, the Aniya's housing materials focus on creating a deep and pleasing sound, while the Xinhai's materials aim for a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent quality that is ideal for RGB lighting, while the Aniya's POM top housing does not have this feature. This difference in material choice may appeal to different preferences based on the desired visual effect. Additionally, the use of nylon in the Xinhai's bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Aniya's POM bottom housing. This showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
Overall, while the Aniya and Xinhai both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the differences between POM and polycarbonate, as well as nylon, are significant. The Aniya focuses on a deeper and more muted sound, while the Xinhai provides a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between these materials may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics, as well as the impact on typing feel and key sound. Depending on the desired outcome, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter end of the spectrum. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter feel with the Xinhai or a slightly heavier feel with the Aniya. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it can be observed that the Aniya has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2mm, while the Xinhai has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - those who favor a more responsive feel may opt for the Aniya, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Xinhai.Overall, both switches offer a relatively similar experience due to their comparable travel distances, providing users with a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 best described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is also described as clacky, but with a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing. The Xinhai switch also boasts a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, providing users with a different auditory sensation compared to the Aniya switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, but users looking for a sharper and more pronounced clacky sound may prefer the Aniya, while those seeking a softer and more refined sound may lean towards the Xinhai.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is known for its remarkably smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly as the stem material. This results in a buttery sensation when typing, with each keystroke feeling effortless and silky. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is described as bouncy, providing users with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. While both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Aniya emphasizes a silky and polished feel, while the Xinhai focuses more on a bouncy and lively feedback for users who enjoy a bit more tactile response.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aniya provides a clacky, high-pitched sound profile with a creamy and polished typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a softer acoustics profile with a bouncy and lively feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality performance and are sure to satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Aniya linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation and smooth feel, the Aniya may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance and a bouncy typing experience, the Xinhai could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing preferences and the kind of auditory experience you desire when making your decision between these two exceptional linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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