SP-Star Ayara vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Ayara and the Kailh Box Royal. The Ayara is a linear switch, known for its medium heftiness and satisfying typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, it offers a hearty typing experience that is preferred by many. On the other hand, the Box Royal is a tactile switch, offering a sharp, binary tactility that is nearly aggressive. If you are someone who enjoys a high level of tactility in your switches, the Box Royal is the perfect choice. Although both switches have a relatively higher pitched sound profile, their distinctive features set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Kailh Box Royal, both being nylon, share many similarities. They are described as classic switch housing materials that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Whether it is the top housing or the bottom housing of these switches, the qualities of nylon contribute to the overall sound and feel of the keys. In terms of typing experience, the nylon materials in both switches provide a similar tactile response and overall sound quality.
However, despite their similarities, there are some differences to note between the Ayara and Box Royal's housing materials. Although both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may result in slight variations in their sound profiles. The Ayara and Box Royal may have slightly different thicknesses or internal structures that can affect the sound produced when the key is released. These subtle differences can make one switch feel slightly deeper or fuller in sound compared to the other. Therefore, individuals who have a preference for a specific sound profile may find one switch more appealing than the other.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switch's overall sound and feel, it is important to note that these qualities are split between the two housings. The bottom housing of a switch, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a greater impact on the typing experience when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, the combination of the nylon top and bottom housings in both the Ayara and Box Royal switches ensures a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience, with each housing playing its part in delivering the desired tactile and auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The Ayara's actuation force is unavailable, while the Box Royal requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara measures 62 grams, which is considered medium, while the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ayara's actuation force may seem appealing, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who enjoy a stronger push.
Although the specific actuation force of the Ayara is unknown, we can assume that it provides a similar result to the Box Royal's 45-gram actuation force given their medium classification. However, it is important to note that the Ayara's bottom out force is lighter than the Box Royal, making it a better choice for those looking for a lighter overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Ayara offering a lighter option and the Box Royal providing a heavier, more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important consideration when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Ayara has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Box Royal has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This shorter distance is beneficial for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option can provide a more responsive typing experience. However, some individuals may find the abruptness of shorter travel distances to be less comfortable. For those who prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, the switch with the longer travel distance would be a better choice. In this case, the Ayara would be the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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
The Ayara linear switch is best known for its medium heftness, providing a hearty typing experience for users. When typing on these switches, users can expect a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. The sound of the Ayara switch can be described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using the switches at home or work. The Box Royal tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp and binary tactility. If you prefer a nearly aggressive tactility, these switches are perfect for you. The sound profile of the Box Royal switches is relatively higher pitched. Both switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, but the Ayara has a more neutral sound profile compared to the Box Royal's higher pitch. In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. The Box Royal switch, on the other hand, offers a sharp tactile feedback, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Overall, the Ayara and Box Royal switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a hearty typing experience with a neutral sound profile and polished feel, the Ayara switch is a great choice. If you enjoy aggressive tactility with a higher-pitched sound profile and sharp feel, the Box Royal switch would be the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium heftness that is suitable for both beginners and advanced typists, whether for home or work use. The Ayara also provides a polished feel, with smooth and refined key travel resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you crave an aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is a perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy heft that adds to the tactile feedback. The Box Royal switches have a sharp and binary tactility, providing a strong and crisp tactile bump with every keypress.
In terms of sound, both switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, making them ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound profile.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Ayara and Kailh Box Royal switches depends on your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize a hearty typing experience with a polished feel or crave an aggressive tactility and higher-pitched sound, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that suits your individual typing style and preferences.
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