KTT Ash Gray vs. SP-Star Ayara
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Ayara switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and SP-Star Ayara are two popular options worth considering. The Ash Gray switch is known for its tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable and unobtrusive. Its light touch and crisp actuation provide a delightful blend of tactile feedback without overwhelming sensations. On the other hand, the Ayara switch offers a medium heftiness, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more satisfying typing experience. Along with a soft bottom-out feel, the Ayara switch produces a perfectly clacky sound profile. While the Ash Gray is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, the Ayara switch is characterized as neutral, high-pitched, and polished. These general pointers can help you decide which switch aligns better with your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best switch choice tailored to your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Two-stage
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Ayara differ in their housing materials, with the Ash Gray featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Ayara uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Ayara produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Ash Gray and the Ayara utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile in both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits these qualities, providing a more immersive typing experience.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. In the case of the Ash Gray and Ayara, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound and feel of the keystrokes, thanks to the presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches. However, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing will create a crisper sound upon key release, while the Ayara's nylon top housing will produce a fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The KTT Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Ayara's actuation force is unknown. However, the Ash Gray's bottom out force is 53 grams, slightly lighter than the Ayara's 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Ash Gray would be a suitable choice with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push.
It is worth noting that if the actuation forces of the two switches are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the difference in bottom out forces may still result in slightly varying typing experiences. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ayara has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ash Gray. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, there is also a growing trend towards shorter travel distances for faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ash Gray may be the better option for you. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the 4 mm travel distance of the Ayara may be more suitable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more pronounced key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate and versatile sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various environments such as home or work. The SP-Star Ayara switch, on the other hand, also has a neutral sound profile, but it adds a high-pitched characteristic to the sound. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may be preferred by those who dislike richer and bassier sound profiles. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This means that minimal force is required to activate the switch, resulting in effortless and comfortable typing. The light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch falls into the category of mild switches, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users in terms of both sound and feel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubrication contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. While information about its actuation force and tactile feedback is not provided, the Ayara switch is known for its medium heaviness and is recommended for those who prefer a hearty typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they share some similarities. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes and users. In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance and falls under the category of mild switches, providing a low-impact typing feel. The Ayara switch, on the other hand, is described as polished, offering a smooth typing experience. While more specific information about the Ayara switch's sound and feel is not given, it can be inferred that it provides a hearty typing experience due to its medium heaviness. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and depending on your preference, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a moderate bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. It also offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a better fit. It offers a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, the Ayara switch is described as polished, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction.
Both switches have a moderate sound profile and can be used by beginners and advanced users alike, whether at home or in a work setting. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch depends on your personal preference for the level of tactile feedback and the typing experience you desire. Overall, with their distinct qualities, these switches offer excellent options to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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