Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. SP-Star Ayara
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the SP-Star Ayara switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available to cater to various typing preferences. Two switches that stand out in terms of their unique characteristics and attributes are the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Ayara. The Aqua King, a linear switch, is best known for its frictionless feel which resembles ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Typing on the Aqua King feels magical as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a smooth and silky experience. On the other hand, the Ayara, also a linear switch, offers a medium heftness and provides a hearty typing experience. The Ayara switch offers a satisfying clacky sound profile and a soft bottom-out feel when typing. While both switches provide distinct advantages, choosing the right one for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Two-stage
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Ayara differ in their housing materials, with the Aqua King featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings, while the Ayara incorporates nylon for both. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element. On the other hand, the Ayara's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King contributes to the same sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as its top housing counterpart. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in an overall satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Ayara's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued sound profile.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Aqua King and Ayara, it is important to note that the qualities inherent in each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. Pressing down on a switch will primarily expose the bottom housing's characteristics, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the properties of the top housing. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide distinct sound profiles that can be tailored to personal preferences. Ultimately, whether using the Aqua King or Ayara, users can expect a satisfying typing experience, albeit with unique tonal qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Aqua King has a known actuation force of 46 grams, which indicates that it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine exactly how much force is needed to activate this switch. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 62 grams, which suggests that they require the same amount of force to fully press the key.
In terms of weight, the Aqua King can be considered lighter with its known actuation force of 46 grams. This lighter actuation force may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions since it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Ayara's actuation force is unknown, so it is unclear whether it is lighter or heavier than the Aqua King. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for options with heavier actuation forces.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Ayara linear switches differs in terms of available information, both switches share a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. The Aqua King is known to have a lighter actuation force, which may be advantageous for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, without knowledge of the Ayara's actuation force, it is challenging to make a direct comparison.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Thus, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 Everglide Aqua King linear switch is best described as subdued. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a dampened sound. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound. However, it is also worth noting that the Ayara switch can have a high-pitched sound, which offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be a preference for those who do not like richer and bassy sound profiles. Overall, the Aqua King provides a quieter typing experience compared to the Ayara, but the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch offers a range of descriptions. It is described as creamy, which means it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a silky sensation. Additionally, the Aqua King is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. There is minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing for fluid travel. Furthermore, the Aqua King is described as silky and polished, enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is solely described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Aqua King offers a wider range of subjective qualities.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and SP-Star Ayara linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King provides a subdued sound profile and a range of descriptions including creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished for its typing feel. This switch aims to provide a frictionless and magical typing experience with smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes, with the option for a high-pitched sound. Its typing feel is solely described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. Although they have some similarities in terms of being polished switches, the Aqua King offers a more varied and potentially smoother typing experience compared to the Ayara. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as keyboard and keycaps when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, both the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Ayara are suitable choices. However, the Aqua King offers a unique and magical typing experience with its frictionless feel that resembles gliding on ice. On the other hand, the Ayara provides a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Aqua King has a subdued sound signature, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed. This makes it a great option if you prefer a more subtle and less noisy typing experience. On the other hand, the Ayara has a neutral sound profile, but it can also produce a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. If you enjoy a sharper sound and want to avoid rich and bassy profiles, the Ayara might be a better fit for you.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This is achieved through the use of specific materials or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. However, the Aqua King offers additional descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, and silky. These indicate that the switch provides an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a fluid key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King and the SP-Star Ayara depends on your personal preferences. If you value a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you prefer a hearty typing feel and don't mind a potential high-pitched sound, the Ayara might be a better fit for you. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred feel when making your decision.
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