PH Studio Aniya vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aniya is praised for its harmonious balance in sound profile, leaning towards a pronounced clacky sound without being overwhelmingly loud. It features a smooth feel and medium-light actuation, providing a pleasant auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Lotus switch from HMX boasts a medium weight and bright, resonant sound, offering a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Lotus both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While the Aniya uses POM for both the top and bottom housing, the Lotus utilizes nylon for both components. POM is known for creating a deeper and relatively muted sound, while nylon produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to deliver a pleasing and unique typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Aniya and Lotus switches differ in material, they ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience in a similar manner. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. POM and nylon each bring their own characteristic sound qualities to their respective switches, with POM offering a deeper and muted sound compared to nylon's fuller and rounder sound. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing ensures a well-rounded typing experience for users of both switches.
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the HMX Lotus, it becomes evident that the choice of material greatly affects the sound profile of each switch. POM's unique sound profile leans towards being deeper and more muted, providing a different typing experience compared to the fuller and rounder sound produced by nylon. Both switches aim to offer a pleasant typing experience, with the nuances of sound being influenced by the material properties of their respective housings. Whether it is the POM top and bottom housing of the Aniya or the nylon top and bottom housing of the Lotus, users can expect a distinct sound profile that enhances their typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Lotus linear switch. The Aniya has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force, but the Aniya requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aniya may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Lotus may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Aniya the shorter option and the Lotus the longer option when comparing their travel distances. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Aniya for a more responsive feel and the Lotus for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with a slight variation between them.
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 Lotus comes in at $3.49 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 high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp and bright auditory experience that is not overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lotus linear switch remains unknown. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced and clacky sound, the Aniya switch would be a suitable choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aniya switch is recognized for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with each keystroke. This smooth sensation is attributed to the stem material used, providing a medium-light actuation which enhances the overall typing feel. The Lotus switch, however, lacks a specific description of its feel. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, the Aniya switch would be a favorable option to consider.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch excels in providing a harmonious balance of sound with its clacky and high-pitched profile, as well as a remarkably smooth and buttery feel. Although the sound profile and feel of the HMX Lotus linear switch remain unknown, based on the qualities of the Aniya switch, it can be inferred that you can expect a similar level of satisfaction in both sound and feel with the Lotus switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Aniya and Lotus switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as well as additional factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should choose the Aniya if you prefer a medium-light actuation force with a pronounced clacky sound profile and a smooth, creamy feel when typing. The Aniya switch offers a harmonious balance in sound profile and a delightful auditory experience. On the other hand, you should opt for the Lotus if you enjoy a bouncier feeling with a bright, resonant sound and a medium weight bottom out force. The Lotus switch provides a super bouncy feeling and a lively typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the Aniya and Lotus switches will depend on your preference for sound profile and typing feel.
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