SP-Star Ayara vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it is evident that each offers unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch is praised for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Box CJ switch combines the swift attributes of speed switches with the CJ lineage, offering rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. The Box CJ also boasts an incredibly smooth push feel, which can be further customized through lubrication. Ultimately, the Ayara switch is best suited for those seeking a solid typing experience, while the Box CJ switch is ideal for individuals looking for speed and smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Box CJ have distinct differences. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer composition. This contrast in material choice directly impacts the sound produced by each switch, with the Ayara offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the Box CJ's clearer and more resonant sound.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, the bottom housings of both the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Box CJ are made from nylon. This means that both switches benefit from the softer, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for each keypress. While the top housings may vary in their material composition, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housings allows for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Box CJ plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience. The differences between nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings of these switches lead to distinct sound characteristics, with nylon offering a duller sound and polycarbonate producing a sharper sound. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a deep and full sound profile upon keypress, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design for achieving desired sound outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, some key differences arise. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is light to the touch when initiating a keystroke. On the other hand, the Box CJ requires 45 grams of force to actuate, providing a slightly firmer push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, while the Box CJ requires 57 grams to fully press down the key. This makes the Box CJ slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Ayara. These differences in force can impact the typing experience, with the Ayara being more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, while the Box CJ may be better for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive in terms of keypress feel. This means that users can expect similar results when typing on a keyboard equipped with either of these switches. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches allows for a smooth and consistent typing experience, with the actuation point reached at the same depth. Overall, the SP-Star Ayara and the Gateron Box CJ linear switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users can enjoy a consistent and reliable performance no matter which switch they choose.
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 Gateron Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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 offers a neutral option with a moderate actuation force and a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch presents a clacky sound profile with sharp and snappy characteristics that can be described as crisp and bright. The Box CJ also has a chirpy element to it, adding a unique acoustic signature. Ultimately, the sound experience will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Ayara switch provides a polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that translates to reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers a mild typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more gentle feel while maintaining a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Ayara focuses on smoothness while the Box CJ prioritizes a gentle touch.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is recommended for individuals who enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch appeals to those who seek a rapid response with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. While the Ayara leans towards a more refined and polished typing experience, the Box CJ offers a unique combination of characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering varied experiences depending on individual preferences. If you prefer a specific quality in one switch but are unsure of the other, you can expect similar results to a certain extent while still experiencing the distinct characteristics of each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Ayara linear switch or the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who prefers a medium heftiness in their typing experience and enjoys a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound profile, then the Ayara switch is probably the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a swift, high-pitched typing experience with an incredibly smooth push feel, then the Box CJ switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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