PH Studio Aniya vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch, known for its balanced sound profile with a pronounced clacky feel, offers a smooth typing experience with medium-light actuation for a delightful keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a light-medium tactility with a mix of bassier bottom-out and clackier top-out sounds. While the Aniya leans towards a more high-pitched and creamy sound, the Red Panda offers a thocky and mild typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Red Panda offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their composition. The Aniya's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Red Panda's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with higher pitches. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly influence the overall typing experience, with the Aniya providing a more subdued and soothing typing sound, while the Red Panda delivers a more vibrant and lively typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aniya's POM material continues to offer a deep and pleasing sound profile, complementing the top housing for a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and deeper sound that adds a unique touch to the overall sound profile of the switch. The use of different bottom housing materials further enhances the diversity in sound between the two switches, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their sound preferences.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the PH Studio Aniya and the Outemu Red Panda offers users a range of sound profiles to choose from. While the Aniya's POM housing creates a more uniform sound profile with both top and bottom housing made from the same material, the Red Panda's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials provides a contrasting and dynamic typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different actuation and bottom out forces for users to consider. The Aniya switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Red Panda switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. Those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Red Panda switch, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Aniya switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.2mm compared to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch at 3.3mm. While both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, the Aniya offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Aniya for this reason. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a touch more depth with its slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Overall, both switches offer similar results with their comparable travel distances, but the slight variation may make a difference depending on individual preferences.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch delivers a thocky sound that is deep and satisfying, with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aniya leaning towards a sharper sound and the Red Panda providing a more robust and tactile auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Aniya switch is renowned for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. The use of Ly as the stem material ensures a remarkably smooth feel, complemented by a medium-light actuation force, making typing on the Aniya switches a delightful experience. In contrast, the Red Panda switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a wider range of users. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Aniya focusing on smoothness and the Red Panda offering a more approachable typing feel.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that they both excel in different aspects. The Aniya stands out with its clacky sound profile and creamy, polished feel, while the Red Panda impresses with its thocky sound and mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience with either switch providing satisfying results within their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider the sound and feel preferences that best suit your typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound profile with a medium-light actuation and silky smooth feel, the Aniya linear switch would be a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier, thocky bottom-out sound and a mild typing experience, the Red Panda tactile switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in sound and feel when typing.
Mentioned in this article
