SP-Star Ayara vs. TTC Bluish White
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the TTC Bluish White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. Two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Ayara, a linear switch, and the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch. The Ayara switches are known for their medium heftness, providing a hearty typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, they offer a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Bluish White switches are perfect for those who desire a poppy typing experience. With a snappy sound profile, they offer a satisfying tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and TTC Bluish White switches differ significantly. The Ayara utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting purposes.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Ayara and Bluish White switches use nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its impact on the top housing. With its relatively softer plastic composition, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the properties of each material will affect specific aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Although the Ayara and the Bluish White differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by manipulating sound profiles through the characteristics of their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, several key differences and similarities emerge. In terms of actuation force, the Ayara switch's exact measurement is unavailable, while the Bluish White requires 42 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Here, it is clear that the Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Ayara switch.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ayara switch requires 62 grams of force to fully press down, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the Bluish White switch exerts a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter experience. Thus, in terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White switch is lighter compared to the Ayara switch.
Considering weight and typing preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Bluish White switch due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as in professional settings or during long gaming sessions. On the contrary, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ayara switch's heavier forces may be more suited to their preferences.
In summary, the Ayara switch has unavailable actuation force and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, while the TTC Bluish White switch requires 42 grams to trigger a keystroke and exerts a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with weight and typing needs playing a significant role in the decision-making process.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ayara's travel distance falls within the more traditional range, while the Bluish White's travel distance is more shallow. For gamers or individuals seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Bluish White may be preferred. However, those who prefer a deeper key press experience may find the longer travel distance of the Ayara more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired level of key press responsiveness or depth.
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 TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate and well-balanced sound when pressed, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired sound experience. Additionally, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is described as having a polished feel. This indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The switch's polished design leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a pleasant and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is described as having a buttery feel, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Bluish White switch falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most individuals. It also features a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. Furthermore, it has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness, hearty typing experience, soft bottom-out feel, and perfectly clacky sound profile. It provides a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, snappy sound profile, buttery feel, and mild characteristics. It has a low-pitched sound profile and falls into the stepped category, providing a relatively mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches offer unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. This switch has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Ayara offers a neutral and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Additionally, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be a great choice. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch offers a snappy sound profile. The Bluish White switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, and as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the TTC Bluish White tactile switch depends on your preferred typing experience. If you prefer a hearty and clacky typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you desire a poppy and satisfying typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Bluish White switch would be a great option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so consider your preferences and typing style when making your decision.
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