SP-Star Ayara vs. Everglide Bamboo Green
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to deciding on the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are various factors to consider. Two popular options in the market are the SP-Star Ayara, a linear switch, and the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch. Each switch has its own unique features and advantages, making it suitable for different preferences and typing styles. The Ayara switch is best known for providing a medium heftness and a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, it delivers a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green switch is characterized by a clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. It offers a more pronounced tactile experience for those who enjoy the feedback while typing. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches differ in terms of their composition. The Ayara features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This type of housing material is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green switch utilizes a PBT top housing. PBT is a relatively uncommon material in switch housings and is known for offering a more neutral sound profile. It neither produces a crisp sound nor a dull one.
In regards to the bottom housing, both the Ayara and the Bamboo Green switches employ nylon in their construction. Similar to the nylon top housing, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for its bottom housing. PBT is an uncommon choice for switch housings but still provides a neutral sound profile. It does not produce a crisp sound but also avoids being dull.
If the top and bottom housings are different for a particular switch, such as the Ayara or the Bamboo Green, the qualities associated with each housing material will be divided between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. The material used for the bottom housing, whether it is nylon or PBT, will play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel when pressing the key. Conversely, the top housing will have a more noticeable influence on the sound produced when releasing the key, affecting the overall typing experience.
In summary, while the Ayara and Bamboo Green switches share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, their top housings differ. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile throughout. Meanwhile, the Bamboo Green utilizes PBT for both top and bottom, offering a more neutral sound profile overall. Both switches are designed to provide unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, with the Ayara's nylon resulting in a duller and fuller sound, while the Bamboo Green's PBT provides a neutral sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Ayara's exact measurement is unknown, whereas the Bamboo Green requires 43 grams of force for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, both switches share the same measurement of 62 grams, which can be considered medium.
Considering weight as a factor, some users may prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. In this case, the Bamboo Green would be the lighter option since its actuation force of 43 grams is lighter than the Ayara's unknown force.
However, for those who seek a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, a stronger push feel is desired. These individuals may prefer switches with heavier forces. Although the Ayara's actuation force is unknown, it can be assumed to be heavier compared to the Bamboo Green's 43 grams. Consequently, the Ayara could be the heavier option among the two switches.
Ultimately, the Ayara linear switch and the Bamboo Green tactile switch share the same bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a similar experience when fully pressed down. The differences lie in their actuation forces, with the Bamboo Green being lighter at 43 grams and the Ayara's force remaining unknown but potentially heavier. Assessing personal preferences and typing needs will determine which switch is the optimal choice for each individual.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and keypress experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as having a perfectly clacky sound profile. It is considered to be neutral in terms of sound, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes and user levels. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is also described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It is also described as resonant, providing a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. Both switches have a similar high-pitched sound, so if you prefer that type of sound, you can expect similar results from both switches.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as having a soft bottom-out feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. It is considered to be polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has several descriptors. It is described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is described as sharp, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches have the polished descriptor, suggesting a smooth typing experience. However, the Bamboo Green switch offers more tactile feedback with its stepped and accented features.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness and clacky sound profile, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel. It is suitable for those who prefer a polished and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, crisp and sparkling tactility, and medium amount of tactile feedback. It provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a unique stepped tactile feel. Both switches offer similar sound profiles with their high-pitched characteristic, but the Bamboo Green switch provides more tactile feedback with its stepped and accented features. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the Ayara for a smoother typing experience or the Bamboo Green for a more tactile typing feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a comfortable typing experience without being too heavy or too light. Additionally, the Ayara switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisp and sparkling tactility coupled with a clacky sound signature, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be a great option. With the same bottom out force as the Ayara, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly intense. They have a high-pitched sound profile, ensuring sharp and crisp keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a soft bottom-out feel or a tactile switch with a crisp tactility, both options offer their unique benefits.
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