PH Studio Aniya vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the PH Studio Aniya and TTC Yunhai linear switches, enthusiasts will find appealing features that cater to different typing preferences. The Aniya, known for its harmonious balance of sound, offers a slightly clacky auditory experience that many users appreciate. Its smooth Ly stem contributes to a delightful feel and medium-light actuation force, making it suitable for long typing sessions without feeling overwhelming. In contrast, the Yunhai switches are characterized by their deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, which creates a gentle and effortless typing experience. This makes the Yunhai a great choice for typists who prioritize comfort and ease of key presses over pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, each switch presents its own unique typing allure, and selecting between them largely depends on personal preferences for sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Aniya and the TTC Yunhai switches employ different housing materials, namely POM and nylon, for their respective top and bottom housings. The Aniya utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to produce a unique sound profile that is both deeper and relatively muted. In contrast, the Yunhai's nylon housings, both top and bottom, contribute to a classic sound profile that is also deep and full, but through a different mechanism. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the bright sounds often associated with harder plastics. Thus, while both switches aim for a similar deep sound profile, the materials chosen create varied auditory characteristics, which will appeal to different preferences.
When it comes to the performance dynamics of each switch, the differences in material properties play a significant role in how they feel and sound during use. The POM material in the Aniya's housings provides consistent feedback and sound qualities that may enhance the unique auditory experience the switch is designed to deliver. In contrast, the nylon housings of the Yunhai switches contribute to a more muted and softer sound across the board. Each switch's sound profile is influenced not just by the material but also by the interplay between the top and bottom housings, meaning that users can expect a distinctive experience depending on the housing materials at play.
Notably, even if the Aniya and Yunhai were to feature the same sound profile—deep and muted—their differentiation would lie in the texture and tactile feedback provided by each material. The POM material’s firmness could lead to a snappier feel under the fingers, while the nylon might offer a softer touch. Even if the top and bottom housings are different, the choice of materials ensures that users can achieve somewhat comparable auditory outcomes. Furthermore, it highlights how different housing materials affect overall switch performance, ultimately shaping user preferences based on tactile sensations and sound feedback during typing. In choosing between these two switches, preferences will likely boil down to the subtleties of sound quality and feel that each material imparts.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit identical characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them quite lightweight options. This similarity means that users will experience comparable keystroke activation and bottoming out, providing a similar typing experience for both switches. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces make these switches suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, catering to those who prefer ease of use without the strain of heavier switches. Overall, both the Aniya and Yunhai switches offer a consistent and comfortable experience for users who prioritize lightness in their keyboard choice.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit notable differences in their travel distances, with the Aniya measuring at 3.2 mm and the Yunhai at 3.6 mm. This places the Aniya in the realm of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by many gamers for its responsiveness and quicker actuation, while the Yunhai, being slightly longer, offers a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying. If you prioritize swift response times typical of gaming scenarios, the Aniya would be the better choice; however, if you lean towards a more pronounced keystroke experience, the Yunhai’s longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the preference for a shorter or longer travel distance comes down to individual user experience and comfort.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 offers a distinctive clacky sound profile, presenting a mix of high-pitched and resonant qualities. This results in a crisp and bright auditory experience that's both engaging and enjoyable without being overwhelmingly loud. This balance allows for clarity during typing, making it suitable for those who appreciate an audible feedback but prefer to avoid excessive noise. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks detailed descriptors regarding its sound profile, meaning that specific characteristics such as pitch, resonance, or volume remain unknown. However, sound can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard build and keycap material chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Aniya switch stands out for providing a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. Its smooth actuation is enhanced by the quality of the stem material, which facilitates an effortless keystroke. Users can expect a luxurious typing experience that minimizes friction and resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's feel is not detailed, leaving its tactile characteristics unspecified. This lack of information means that potential users cannot compare the tactile feedback of the Yunhai switch with the refined sensation offered by the Aniya switch.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch excels in both sound and feel, presenting a clear auditory signature alongside a smooth and refined typing experience. The TTC Yunhai linear switch, however, lacks specific sound and feel descriptors, leaving it difficult to gauge how it might stack up against the Aniya. For those drawn to an engaging auditory feedback and a buttery typing feel, the Aniya is a strong choice, while the Yunhai’s uncharted qualities may leave some potential users curious but uncertain about their experience. If sound and feel are essential aspects of your typing experience, you are likely to find the Aniya aligns more closely with common preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a more expressive auditory experience while typing and enjoy a slightly clacky sound profile, the Aniya might be your ideal choice. Its smooth, polished feel makes it a pleasure for both casual typing and gaming alike, striking a nice balance between feedback and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet, gentle, and effortless feel in your keystrokes, then the Yunhai is likely the better fit for you. With its uniquely deep and rounded sound profile, it offers a serene typing experience with minimal resistance, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Overall, consider your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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