SP-Star Ayara vs. Sarokeys BCP
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Sarokeys BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and Sarokeys BCP both offer unique features and characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the BCP switch from Sarokeys offers a creamy type feel with a bouncy sensation and signature poppy clacky sound profile. While the Ayara switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the BCP switch is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Creamy', and 'Clacky'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
N/A
Actuation force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and Sarokeys BCP both use nylon as the material for their top and bottom switch housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel with both the Ayara and BCP switches due to their shared nylon housing material.
However, while both switches use nylon for their housing material, they may vary in terms of design and construction, which could impact the overall typing experience. The way the housing is structured, such as the shape and thickness of the walls, can affect the sound and feel of the switch when typing. Differences in the design of the top and bottom housings could result in variations in the sound profile and tactility between the Ayara and BCP switches, despite both using nylon as their housing material.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and Sarokeys BCP may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer a similar typing experience with their nylon housing material, subtle differences in design and construction could result in unique characteristics for each switch. Users looking for a specific sound profile or typing feel may prefer one switch over the other based on these differences in housing design, even though they both share the same nylon material for their housings.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Sarokeys BCP linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In comparison, the BCP has an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly lighter at a medium-light weight. When it comes to weight preferences, the Ayara would be better suited for those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, while the BCP would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Ayara offers a longer travel distance compared to the BCP, providing a deeper keypress feel. This may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the BCP's shorter travel distance can result in quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and agility. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
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 Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral and moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch provides a distinctively clacky and percussive sound when typing, giving it a unique auditory appeal. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Ayara being more versatile and the BCP being more focused on a specific clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch provides a polished and refined typing experience, thanks to its smooth finish and reduced friction. This results in a sleek typing feel that enhances the overall user experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively and rebounding feel. Additionally, the BCP switch also provides a creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch is more neutral in sound and polished in feel, providing a versatile typing experience suitable for various preferences. On the other hand, the Sarokeys BCP switch has a unique clacky sound profile and offers a bouncy and creamy typing feel, giving it a more specialized appeal. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing quality typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a soft bottom out feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy and bouncy type feel with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a signature clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch would be more to your liking. Consider your typing preferences and the sound and feel profiles described for each switch to determine which one would best suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose wisely based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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